Map of Scotland showing where the Elder arms are recorded
The Elder arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Elder 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 Scotland.
Origin & History of the Elder Family in Scotland
The surname Elder is rooted in the ancient traditions of Scotland, where it originated as a descriptive name for a person of seniority or high standing within a community. In many cases, the name was used to distinguish an older man from a younger man who shared the same given name, eventually becoming a permanent family identifier. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh, a city that served as a vibrant center for trade, law, and the Scottish Enlightenment. Records from 1748 confirm that members of the Elder family were active participants in the social and professional life of the capital during this era. As the family grew, they became integrated into the urban fabric of Scotland, contributing to the development of the nation during a time of significant cultural and economic change.
Elder Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
ald
Old or ancient in the Germanic language family.
This name
ElderA descriptive term for a senior member of a community or family.
also spelled
Eldar
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
National Records of Scotland. Edinburgh Burgess Roll, 1406–1841
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
