A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Houston family of Ireland.
Reg. 5277 · Irish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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, or, a chev. chequy sa. and ar. betw. three martlets of the second, for HOUSTON; 2nd and 3rd, ar. two bars and in chief three cocks gu. an annulet az. for BLAKISTON”
DownDown, c. 1844
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 Houston arms are recorded
The Houston arms were recorded in Down, c. 1844.
Down was north-eastern Irish country settled from Scotland in the seventeenth century. The new landowners took grants and had them recorded, which is why so many Down families carry documented shields.
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.
Victoria
Sovereign of the period
Victoria
1837–1901
Reigning in Ireland when the Houston 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 Down.
Origin & History of the Houston Family in Ireland
The family name Houston originates from a place name in Scotland, derived from the Old English words for a house and a town. Over many centuries, families carrying this name migrated across the Irish Sea to settle in the northern regions of Ireland. By the year 1844, records confirm that members of the Houston family were well established in County Down. During this period, families in that area were often involved in local agriculture or the growing linen industry, which defined the economy of the region. These early settlers were part of a larger movement of people who moved between Scotland and Ireland, bringing their traditions and family names with them to create a lasting presence in the local community.
Houston Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Hugh
Derived from the Germanic element hug meaning heart, mind, or spirit.
This name
HoustonA patronymic surname signifying the son of Hugh or descendant of Hugh.
also spelled
Houstoun
Huston
Related arms
Rosssimilar arms
Houstounvariant spelling
Hustonvariant spelling
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
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, General Valuation of Rateable Property in Ireland (Griffith's Valuation), County Down, 1848–1864
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
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
