A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Graden family of Scotland.
Reg. 8951 · Scottish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
otterOne who lives life to the full
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
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. on a chev. az. betw. three otters sa. each devouring a salmon of the second, as many pheons or”
BerwickEarnslaw · Berwick, c. 1748
Where the Graden Arms Were Recorded
Map of Scotland showing where the Graden arms are recorded
The Graden arms were recorded in Berwick, c. 1748.
Berwickshire was Scottish border country, raided and fought over for three centuries. Families held their land in return for defending it, and a defending household carried a shield.
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 Graden 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 Berwick.
Origin & History of the Graden Family in Scotland
The surname Graden is rooted in the history of the Scottish Borders, a region defined by its rugged landscape and a long tradition of resilient families. By 1748, records confirm that members of the Graden family were established in the historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. During this period, Berwick served as a vital hub for trade and movement between Scotland and England, making it a common destination for families seeking new opportunities. The name itself likely derives from a topographic origin, possibly referring to a specific piece of land or a "graden" or "greiden" area, which historically described a small plot or a stepped piece of ground. As these early family members settled into the local community, they became part of the social fabric of the borderlands, navigating the complex economic and political shifts that defined life in a town frequently caught between two kingdoms.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Graden
Derived from the Old English word for a grassy valley or enclosure.
This name
GradenA topographic name for someone who lived near a grassy valley or a small enclosed field.
also spelled
Gradan
Gradin
Related arms
Douglasrecorded with Graden, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Berwick-upon-Tweed Record Office, Berwick-upon-Tweed Parish Registers, 1740–1760
National Records of Scotland, General Register of Sasines, County of Berwick
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
Johnston, James B., Place-Names of Scotland, 1934
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
otterOne who lives life to the full
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
otterOne who lives life to the full
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
