Map of England showing where the Glen arms are recorded
The Glen arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Glen 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 Glen Family in England
The surname Glen is a topographical name, which means it was originally given to people who lived near a narrow valley or a secluded mountain pass. While the name has deep roots in the northern regions of Britain, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the city of York by 1620. During this period, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration, making it a common destination for families moving from rural areas into growing urban centers. As these early ancestors settled in the city, they likely integrated into the local merchant or craft guilds that defined the social structure of seventeenth-century England. By choosing to settle in a place with such a long history of Roman and medieval influence, the Glen family became part of the evolving landscape of northern English society, transitioning from their rural origins into the professional life of a bustling cathedral city.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 fesse gu. betw. three martlets sa”
RenfrewBar · Renfrew, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Glen arms are recorded
The Glen arms were recorded in Renfrew, c. 1748.
Renfrewshire lay along the lower Clyde, farming country that later filled with trade. Its landed families were long-settled, and long settlement is what brought them into the register.
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 England when the Glen 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 Renfrew.
Origin & History of the Glen Family in Scotland
The surname Glen is a topographical name, meaning it was originally given to people who lived near a narrow valley or a secluded hollow. In Scotland, the name is deeply connected to the landscape of the Lowlands, where families often took their identity from the specific geography of their home. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the town of Renfrew. This area was a hub for trade and agriculture along the River Clyde, providing a stable environment for families to grow and integrate into the local community. While the name is simple in its origin, it reflects a long history of Scottish families who defined themselves by the land they inhabited and the local parishes where they lived, worked, and raised their children.
Glen Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
gleann
A Gaelic word referring to a narrow valley or dale.
This name
GlenA topographic surname for someone who lived in or near a valley.
also spelled
Glyn
Glynn
Related arms
Glynvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
