Map of Scotland showing where the Garfinkel arms are recorded
The Garfinkel arms were recorded in Edinburgh, c. 1674.
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.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Scotland when the Garfinkel 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 Edinburgh.
Origin & History of the Garfinkel Family in Scotland
The surname Garfinkel is traditionally associated with Ashkenazi Jewish roots, likely originating from the Yiddish words for "garlic" and "merchant" or "trader." While many families with this name settled in Eastern Europe, the presence of the Garfinkel family in Edinburgh by 1674 suggests a history of migration and trade that reached the British Isles much earlier than commonly assumed. During the late 17th century, Edinburgh served as a bustling hub for international commerce, attracting merchants from across the continent who sought new opportunities in Scotland. The family likely integrated into the local mercantile class, navigating the social and religious challenges of the era while maintaining their distinct cultural identity. Their early arrival in Scotland highlights the long-standing tradition of Jewish families contributing to the economic and social fabric of northern cities long before the mass migrations of the 19th century.
Garfinkel Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Garvin
Derived from the Old German name Gerwin meaning spear friend.
This name
GarfinkelA topographical or occupational name likely referring to a person from a specific field or enclosure.
also spelled
Garvyn
Garvyne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Daiches, David. The Jews in Scotland. 1989
National Records of Scotland. Register of Deeds, Court of Session. Reference: RD1
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