A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Glasgow family of Scotland.
Reg. 3280 · Scottish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 chev. az. betw. two fishes naiant in chief sa. and an oak tree growing out of a mount in base vert”
Scotlandc. 1748
Where the Glasgow Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Glasgow arms are recorded
The Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow Family in Scotland
The surname Glasgow is a locative name, meaning it was originally taken from the city of Glasgow in Scotland. In the ancient Cumbric language, the name is believed to mean "dear green place," which likely referred to the fertile land near the River Clyde. While the name is tied to the city, families carrying this surname eventually spread across the Scottish Lowlands. By the middle of the eighteenth century, records confirm that members of the Glasgow family were established in Edinburgh. These individuals were part of the growing urban population during a time of significant social and economic change in Scotland. As the family settled in the capital city by 1748, they became part of the long history of migration and development that defined Scottish life during the Enlightenment era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Glas-chu
Derived from Cumbric words meaning green or grey hollow.
This name
GlasgowRefers to the location of the city, signifying a dear green place.
also spelled
Glasgo
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, Edinburgh Register of Testaments, 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
