A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Grigson family of England.
Reg. 8768 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. two bars ar. on a chief of the last three mullets of the first”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Grigson Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Grigson arms are recorded
The Grigson 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 Grigson 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 Grigson Family in England
The surname Grigson is a patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of someone named Grig. The name Grig was a common medieval nickname for Gregory, a popular name derived from the Greek word for watchful or alert. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Grigson family were living and working within this historic northern English hub. During this era, families often settled in specific regions for generations, and the Grigsons likely contributed to the local trade and social life of York as the city transitioned through the Stuart period. Because the name is rooted in a simple nickname, it reflects the common naming traditions of the time, where surnames evolved naturally from the first names of fathers to help distinguish individuals in growing communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gregory
Derived from the Greek word meaning watchful, alert, or vigilant.
This name
GrigsonA patronymic surname meaning son of Gregory.
also spelled
Grigsonne
Grygson
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
The National Archives, York City Archives: House Books, 1620
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
