A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gilchrest family of Scotland.
Reg. 3380 · Scottish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a lion pass. sa. a chief az. charged on the dexter with a cross pattée and on the sinister with a covered cup both or”
Scotlandc. 1657
Where the Gilchrest Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Gilchrest arms are recorded
The Gilchrest arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1657.
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.
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 Gilchrest Family in Scotland
The surname Gilchrest originates from the Gaelic language, where it translates to "servant of Christ." This name was historically common in the Scottish Lowlands, reflecting a deep connection to the religious traditions of the region. By the year 1657, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in Edinburgh. During this period, Edinburgh was a bustling center of trade and intellectual growth, and families like the Gilchrests were often involved in the skilled crafts or merchant guilds that defined the city’s economy. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Scotland, moving through the centuries as the nation transitioned from a kingdom of clans to a modern urban society. Their presence in the capital city suggests they were likely among the educated or professional classes who helped shape the local community during the seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gille Crìost
Gaelic for servant of Christ.
This name
GilchrestA Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic phrase meaning servant or devotee of Christ.
also spelled
Gilchrest
Gilcrist
Gilcrest
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 Testaments, Edinburgh Commissariot, 1657
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
