Map of Scotland showing where the Farquharson arms are recorded
The Farquharson arms were recorded in Aberdeen, c. 1547.
Aberdeen was a granite trading town on the north-east coast with farming country behind it. Merchants who prospered bought estates inland, and buying an estate was what brought a family its 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.
Mary, Queen of Scots
Sovereign of the period
Mary, Queen of Scots
1542–1567
Reigning in Scotland when the Farquharson 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 Aberdeen.
Origin & History of the Farquharson Family in Scotland
The name Farquharson originates from the Gaelic phrase *Mac Fhearchair*, which translates to "son of Farquhar." The name Farquhar itself is derived from the Gaelic words for "dear" and "man." By the mid-sixteenth century, the family had established a strong presence in the region of Aberdeen. Records from 1547 confirm that members of the family were active in this area during a time of significant political change in Scotland. Over time, the family became closely associated with the Clan Chattan confederation, which was a powerful group of clans in the Scottish Highlands. Their history is deeply tied to the rugged landscape of Aberdeenshire, where they served as prominent figures in local society and regional governance for many generations.
Farquharson Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Fearchar
Derived from the Gaelic words for dear and man.
This name
FarquharsonRefers to the son of the dear one or the son of the beloved man.
also spelled
Farquhar
Farcharson
Farchardson
Related arms
Guthriesimilar arms
Farquharvariant spelling
Alexanderrecorded with Farquharson, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
National Records of Scotland, Register of the Privy Seal of Scotland, 1547
Skene, William F., Celtic Scotland: A History of Ancient Alban, 1880
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
pine treeSteadfastness through every season
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
pine treeSteadfastness through every season
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
