A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Edward family of Scotland.
Reg. 1633 · Scottish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
columnFortitude and constancy
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. a fesse ar. surmounted of a marble pillar gu. issuing out of a base wavy of the field”
LinlithgowLongcroft · Linlithgow, c. 1748
Where the Edward Arms Were Recorded
Linlithgow
Map of Scotland showing where the Edward arms are recorded
The Edward arms were recorded in Linlithgow, c. 1748.
Linlithgow, now West Lothian, held a royal palace between Edinburgh and Stirling. Families with court business settled nearby, and closeness to the court brought recorded 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.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Scotland when the Edward 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 Linlithgow.
Origin & History of the Edward Family in Scotland
The surname Edward finds its origins as a patronymic, meaning it was derived from the given name of a male ancestor. The name itself comes from the Old English words "ead," meaning wealth or prosperity, and "weard," meaning guardian or protector. While the name was common throughout Britain, the specific branch of the family settled in the historic royal burgh of Linlithgow by at least 1748. During this period, Linlithgow was a significant center for trade and local government in Scotland. Families living in this area were often connected to the agricultural or craft industries that supported the town. By establishing themselves in such a prominent location, these early ancestors became part of the long-standing social fabric of the region, carrying a name that had signified strength and guardianship for many centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Eadweard
Old English compound meaning rich or blessed guardian.
This name
EdwardDerived from Old English elements meaning wealthy guardian or protector of prosperity.
also spelled
Edeward
Eduard
Related arms
Udwardvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
columnFortitude and constancy
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
columnFortitude and constancy
