Map of Scotland showing where the Hepburn arms are recorded
The Hepburn arms were recorded in Edinburgh, c. 1672.
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.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Scotland when the Hepburn 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 Edinburgh.
Origin & History of the Hepburn Family in Scotland
The Hepburn family name originates from the Scottish Borders, where it likely developed as a topographic surname referring to a specific place known as Hebburn in Northumberland. By the medieval period, the family had established themselves as prominent landowners and influential figures in East Lothian. They were deeply involved in the political and social life of Scotland, often serving as powerful lords who held significant sway over regional affairs. By the time records confirm their presence in Edinburgh in 1672, the family had already spent centuries cementing their reputation as a respected lineage. Their history is closely tied to the development of the Scottish state, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and social advancement that defined many noble families during that era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hebburn
A settlement located by a high or elevated river bank.
This name
HepburnDerived from a place name in Northumberland meaning high burial mound or elevated river bank.
also spelled
Hepborne
Related arms
Hebbornvariant spelling
Hebbornevariant spelling
Hepborne, alias Richardsonvariant spelling
Cockburnrecorded with Hepburn, same area
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, Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, 1672
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
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
lionCourage, strength and royalty
