A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fergusson family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7529 · Scottish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 buckle ar. betw. three boars' heads or, quartering DALRYMPLE”
AyrKilkerran · Ayr, c. 1703
Where the Fergusson Arms Were Recorded
Ayr
Map of Scotland showing where the Fergusson arms are recorded
The Fergusson arms were recorded in Ayr, c. 1703.
Ayrshire was farming country along Scotland's south-west coast, held in a great many small estates. Its lairds were numerous rather than rich, and each holding brought its own claim to 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.
Anne of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
Anne of Great Britain
1702–1707
Reigning in Scotland when the Fergusson 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 Ayr.
Origin & History of the Fergusson Family in Scotland
The surname Fergusson is deeply rooted in the history of Scotland, originating from the Gaelic name Fearghus, which translates to man of vigor or son of Fergus. The name gained prominence through the ancient kings of Dalriada, who helped shape the early identity of the Scottish people. By the time the family established a documented presence in the town of Ayr in 1703, the name had already spread across various regions of the country. Families bearing this name often lived as tenant farmers or tradespeople, contributing to the local economy and social structure of the Scottish Lowlands. Over many generations, the Fergusson line became a fixture in Ayrshire, reflecting the broader movement of clans and families as they transitioned from traditional Highland structures into the developing towns of the eighteenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. on a chev. betw. three boars' heads couped or, a buckle gu. betw. two stars of the field”
EnglandLondon, c. 1785
Where the Fergusson Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Fergusson arms are recorded
The Fergusson arms were recorded in London, c. 1785.
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.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in Scotland when the Fergusson 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 England.
Origin & History of the Fergusson Family in England
The surname Fergusson originates from the Gaelic name Fearghus, which translates to man of vigor or son of the rock. While the family name is deeply rooted in Scottish history, members of the Fergusson line began establishing a notable presence in London by the late eighteenth century. By 1785, individuals carrying this name were active participants in the growing commercial and professional life of the English capital. During this period, London served as a central hub for people moving from the north to seek new opportunities in trade, law, and government service. These early residents helped integrate the family name into the fabric of English society, moving away from its traditional regional origins to become part of the diverse population of a rapidly expanding global city. This transition reflects a broader trend of families relocating to urban centers to contribute to the economic development of the British Empire.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fergus
Derived from the Gaelic elements for man and vigor or choice.
This name
FergussonPatronymic surname meaning son of the man of vigor.
also spelled
Fergus
Fergnson
Related arms
Fergusvariant spelling
Ferguson-Davie, Bartvariant spelling
Baronrecorded with Fergusson, same area
Brucerecorded with Fergusson, 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, Ayrshire Parish Registers, 1703
Way, George and Squire, Romilly, Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia, 1994
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
