A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Heaton family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 2709 · Welsh, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. on a bend engr. sa. three bucks' heads of the field”
DenbighPlas Heaton · Denbigh, c. 1647
Where the Heaton Arms Were Recorded
Denbigh
Map of Wales showing where the Heaton arms are recorded
The Heaton arms were recorded in Denbigh, c. 1647.
Denbighshire was north Welsh country of hills and small estates. Land was held by a great many families rather than a few, and each holding brought its own claim to a coat of 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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Wales when the Heaton arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Denbigh.
Origin & History of the Heaton Family in Wales
The family name Heaton has deep roots in the Welsh landscape, specifically within the historic county of Denbighshire. While the name itself is of Old English origin, meaning a high farm or enclosure, families bearing this name established a significant presence in the town of Denbigh by the mid-seventeenth century. By 1647, records show that members of the Heaton family were active participants in the social and economic life of this market town. During this period, Denbigh was a place of strategic importance, and the Heatons integrated into the local community as landowners and citizens. Their presence in this region highlights how families often migrated across borders to settle in Welsh towns, eventually becoming a permanent part of the local history and heritage of North Wales.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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. six trefoils slipped vert, two and one, two and one”
WorcesterGrovelay Hall · Worcester, c. 1620
Where the Heaton Arms Were Recorded
Worcester
Map of England showing where the Heaton arms are recorded
The Heaton arms were recorded in Worcester, c. 1620.
Worcestershire was orchard and farming country with a scattering of old manors. Its gentry were middling rather than great, but a manor was a manor, and holding one was what brought 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 Wales when the Heaton 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 Worcester.
Origin & History of the Heaton Family in England
The surname Heaton is of locational origin, meaning it was originally taken from the names of specific towns or villages across Northern England. The name itself is derived from the Old English words "heah," meaning high, and "tun," meaning an enclosure or settlement, which together describe a farm or village situated on high ground. While the name is most strongly associated with regions like Lancashire and Yorkshire, families bearing the name moved throughout the country as trade and local opportunities shifted over the centuries. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Heaton family were well-established in the city of Worcester. During this period, families in Worcester were often involved in the city’s thriving cloth trade and local governance, reflecting the broader movement of English families who sought to build stable lives in growing urban centers during the early seventeenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
horseReadiness to serve king and country
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. three nags' heads erased ar”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Heaton Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Heaton arms are recorded
The Heaton arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Wales when the Heaton arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Heaton Family in Ireland
The history of the Heaton family in Ireland is deeply connected to the political and social shifts of the seventeenth century. While the name originates from English locations meaning high town or farm, members of the family were firmly established in Dublin by 1645. During this period, Dublin served as a center for administrative and military activity, and families like the Heatons often moved to Ireland to participate in the growing urban economy or to serve in official capacities. As the city expanded, these early settlers integrated into the local community, transitioning from newcomers to established residents. Their presence in the capital during the mid-1600s suggests they were part of a wave of migration that helped shape the demographic landscape of Dublin during a time of significant national transition.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
heah tun
Old English words meaning high or elevated and an enclosed settlement.
This name
HeatonRefers to a person who lived at a high farmstead or an elevated town.
also spelled
Heton
Heeton
Related arms
Hetonvariant spelling
Heytonvariant spelling
Bowringrecorded with Heaton, same area
Heywoodrecorded with Heaton, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Dodd, A.H., A History of Caernarvonshire, 1284-1900, 1968
National Library of Wales, Denbigh Borough Records, 1647
Williams, G., Recovery, Reorientation and Reformation: Wales c. 1415-1642, 1987
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
horseReadiness to serve king and country
