A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Eden family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 1739 · Britain, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. au chev. d'or, ch. de trois coquilles de sa. et acc. de trois gerbes du sec., liées de sin. C.: un bras, arm. au nat., la main empoignant une gerbe de l'écu, posée en fasce. D.: SI SIT PRUDENTIA.”
DurhamshireDurhamshire, c. 1672
Where the Eden Arms Were Recorded
Map of Britain showing where the Eden arms are recorded
The Eden arms were recorded in Durhamshire, c. 1672.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Britain in this period.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Britain when the Eden arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Durhamshire.
Origin & History of the Eden Family in Britain
The surname Eden has deep roots in the northern regions of England, particularly within the historic county of Durham. While the name is often associated with the biblical Garden of Eden, its origins as a family name are likely topographical, referring to people who lived near the River Eden or in places named after it. By the late 17th century, the family had established a clear presence in Durhamshire, where they became notable landowners and local figures. The records from 1672 confirm that members of the Eden family were well-integrated into the social and economic fabric of the region during this period. Over time, the family expanded their influence through marriage and public service, eventually becoming a prominent part of the landed gentry in the North East. Their history reflects the broader movement of families who built lasting legacies in the rural landscapes of Britain through agriculture and local governance.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
helmetWisdom and security in defence
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Az. three helmets ar”
YorkYork, c. 1620
Where the Eden Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Eden arms are recorded
The Eden arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Britain when the Eden arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of York.
Origin & History of the Eden Family in England
The family name Eden has deep roots in England, appearing in historical records long before the seventeenth century. While the name is often associated with the biblical Garden of Eden, it likely originated as a topographical surname for people who lived near a river or a valley. By the year 1620, members of the Eden family were firmly established in the city of York. During this period, York served as a major northern hub for trade and administration, suggesting that the family held a stable place within the local community. These early residents were part of a society transitioning through significant social and economic changes, and their presence in such a prominent city indicates they were active participants in the regional life of Northern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Edith
Derived from the Old English elements for prosperity and strife.
This name
EdenA locational surname referring to the biblical Garden of Paradise or a place of delight.
also spelled
Edin
Edon
Edyn
Related arms
Tunstallrecorded with Eden, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Lower, Mark Antony. Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom. 1860
Reaney, Percy Hide. A Dictionary of British Surnames. 1958
Durham County Record Office, Durham Quarter Sessions Records
The National Archives, Hearth Tax Returns for County Durham
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
helmetWisdom and security in defence
