A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Goudy family of Scotland.
Reg. 7811 · Scottish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. betw. two trefoils slipped in”
Scotlandc. 1748
Where the Goudy Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Goudy arms are recorded
The Goudy 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 Goudy 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 Goudy Family in Scotland
The Goudy surname is deeply rooted in the history of Scotland, with records confirming the family’s presence in Edinburgh by 1748. The name is generally considered a variant of the older Scottish and Irish name Gowdy, which likely evolved from the Gaelic word gabha, meaning a smith. During the eighteenth century, families with this name were often associated with skilled craftsmanship and trade, which allowed them to integrate into the growing urban economy of Edinburgh. As the city expanded during the Scottish Enlightenment, the Goudy family became part of a vibrant community of merchants and artisans. Their early presence in the capital suggests they were part of the steady migration of families moving from rural areas into the city to pursue new professional opportunities. Over time, the name became firmly established in the region, reflecting the broader social changes occurring across Scotland during that era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gow
Gaelic term for a smith or metalworker.
This name
GoudyA diminutive form indicating a descendant or son of the smith.
also spelled
Goudy
Gowdie
Gowdy
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, Old Parish Registers of Edinburgh, 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
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
