A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Edgar family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 3793 · Scottish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. a lion ramp. betw. a garb in chief and a writing pen in base ar”
ForfarKeithock · Forfar, c. 1672
Where the Edgar Arms Were Recorded
Forfar
Map of Scotland showing where the Edgar arms are recorded
The Edgar arms were recorded in Forfar, c. 1672.
Forfar, now called Angus, was farming country on Scotland's east coast between the hills and the sea. Its landed families were long-settled, and long settlement is exactly what fills a register of 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 Scotland in this period.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Scotland when the Edgar arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Forfar.
Origin & History of the Edgar Family in Scotland
The name Edgar is rooted in Old English, originating from the words for "wealth" and "spear," and it became established in Scotland during the medieval period. While the name was present in various regions, the family established a notable connection to the town of Forfar by the late seventeenth century. Records show that members of the family were active in this area by 1672, often participating in the local administration and social life of the burgh. During this time, families like the Edgars were part of a growing class of landowners and merchants who helped shape the development of Scottish towns. Their presence in Forfar reflects the broader movement of families who settled into specific communities to build stable lives and contribute to the local economy. By rooting themselves in the landscape of Angus, these early ancestors helped ensure the name remained a recognized part of the Scottish historical record for generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Per chev. or and az. in chief two fleurs-de-lis of the second, in base five lozenges of the first, each charged with an escallop gu”
SuffolkSuffolk, c. 1620
Where the Edgar Arms Were Recorded
Suffolk
Map of England showing where the Edgar arms are recorded
The Edgar arms were recorded in Suffolk, c. 1620.
Suffolk was wool country, and its cloth towns were among the wealthiest in England. Clothier families bought manors with their profits, and holding a manor was the ordinary route to a coat of 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 Scotland when the Edgar 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 Suffolk.
Origin & History of the Edgar Family in England
The surname Edgar is rooted in Old English, originating from the personal name Eadgar, which combines the elements for prosperity and spear. While the name was well-established in various parts of Britain during the medieval period, its presence in Suffolk by the early 17th century marks a significant chapter in the family history. During this era, families with this name were often integrated into the local agrarian and mercantile life of East Anglia. By 1620, the Edgars in Suffolk were part of a society undergoing rapid social and economic change as England prepared for overseas expansion. These early settlers were typically landowners or tradespeople who helped shape the local community through their involvement in parish affairs and regional commerce. Their presence in Suffolk reflects the broader movement of families who established deep roots in the English countryside long before the name spread across the globe.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ead-gar
Old English roots meaning wealth or prosperity and spear.
This name
EdgarA name signifying a wealthy spearman or a protector of prosperity.
also spelled
Edgarson
Edgerson
Related arms
Brownrecorded with Edgar, same area
Richardsonrecorded with Edgar, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
National Records of Scotland, Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, 1672
National Records of Scotland, The Burgess Roll of Forfar, 1672
Black, George Fraser, The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
