A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hodgson family of England.
Reg. 8048 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
swordJustice, and military honour
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, gu. three cutlasses barways in pale, the points toward the sinister part of the shield ar. hilts and pommels or, for HODGSON; 2nd, lozengy ar. and gu., for FITZWILLIAM; 3rd, az. a chev. betw. three cotton-hanks ar., for COTTON”
LincolnBoston · Lincoln, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Hodgson arms are recorded
The Hodgson arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Hodgson 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Hodgson Family in England
The surname Hodgson originated in Northern England as a patronymic, meaning it was created to identify a person as the son of Roger. Over time, the name evolved from "Roger’s son" into the shortened form Hodgson. By the early 17th century, families bearing this name had established themselves in various parts of the country, including the city of Lincoln. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Hodgson family were active participants in the local community during this period. These early ancestors were likely tradespeople or farmers who helped shape the social and economic landscape of the region. As the family grew, they moved into different professions and locations, carrying the name across England and eventually to other parts of the world.
Hodgson Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Roger
A Germanic name composed of elements meaning fame and spear.
This name
HodgsonA patronymic surname meaning son of Hodge, which is a medieval diminutive of Roger.
also spelled
Hodgeson
Related arms
Hudsonsame arms
Hodgevariant spelling
Hodgesvariant spelling
Hodgesonvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln Consistory Court Wills, 1620
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
swordJustice, and military honour
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
swordJustice, and military honour
