Map of England showing where the Higginson arms are recorded
The Higginson arms were recorded in Hereford, c. 1620.
Herefordshire lay on the Welsh border, where land was held in return for military service. Families there were expected to arm and to fight, and a fighting household needed a shield it could be known by.
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 Higginson 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 Hereford.
Origin & History of the Higginson Family in England
The surname Higginson is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of someone named Hick or Higg. These names were common medieval nicknames for Richard. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the English county of Herefordshire. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living in this region, where they were likely involved in the agricultural or merchant life typical of the West Midlands. During this period, families often stayed within the same geographic area for generations, allowing the Higginson name to become firmly rooted in the local community. As the family grew, their influence spread through the social and economic structures of rural England, marking their transition from a local lineage to a recognized part of the regional population.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. three towers in fess ar. betw. six trefoils slipped, three in chief and three in base or”
AntrimLisburn · Antrim, c. 1645
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Higginson arms are recorded
The Higginson arms were recorded in Antrim, c. 1645.
Antrim was north-eastern Irish country settled from Scotland in the seventeenth century. The new landowners took formal grants and had them recorded, so their arms are unusually well documented.
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 England when the Higginson 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 Antrim.
Origin & History of the Higginson Family in Ireland
The Higginson family name has roots that trace back to the English Midlands, but it became firmly established in Ireland during the mid-seventeenth century. By 1645, members of the family were documented as residents in County Antrim, a region that saw significant migration from Britain during the Plantation of Ulster. These early settlers were often involved in the administration and military defense of the area as the political landscape of Ireland shifted under the influence of the English Crown. Over time, the family integrated into the local community, transitioning from newcomers to established landowners and tradespeople within the northern province. Their presence in Antrim reflects the broader movement of families who sought new opportunities in Ireland during a period of intense social and economic change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hick
A medieval diminutive form of the personal name Richard.
This name
HigginsonA patronymic surname meaning son of little Richard.
also spelled
Hyginson
Higgenson
Higgynson
Related arms
Crommelinrecorded with Higginson, same area
Fultonrecorded with Higginson, same area
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. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Herefordshire Archives, Herefordshire Parish Registers and Bishop’s Transcripts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
