Map of Britain showing where the Hudson arms are recorded
The Hudson arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Hudson arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Hudson Family in Britain
The surname Hudson originated as a patronymic, meaning it was created to identify a person as the son of a man named Hud or Hudd, which were common medieval nicknames for Richard or Hugh. While the name appeared in various parts of England during the Middle Ages, the family established a notable presence in the county of Kent by the early 1700s. During this period, Kent was a hub of agricultural innovation and trade, providing a stable environment for families to settle and grow. As the name spread through local parishes, it became deeply woven into the social fabric of the region. Many early Hudsons in this area were likely involved in the thriving local industries of farming, milling, or maritime trade, which were essential to the economy of southeastern England at the time. By the eighteenth century, the family had moved beyond its initial roots to become a recognized part of the local community, leaving records in parish registers that document their daily lives and contributions to the history of the county.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Per chev. embattled ar. and gu. three escallops counterchanged”
LeicesterMelton Mowbray · Leicester, c. 1620
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 England showing where the Hudson arms are recorded
The Hudson arms were recorded in Leicester, c. 1620.
Leicestershire was grazing country, and wool and cattle made steady money rather than spectacular fortunes. Steady money bought manors, and manors are what brought families into the registers.
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 Britain when the Hudson 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 Leicester.
Origin & History of the Hudson Family in England
The surname Hudson originated in medieval England as a patronymic name, which means it was derived from the given name of a father. Specifically, it translates to "son of Hud," with "Hud" being a common pet form of the name Richard or Hugh. By the early 17th century, families bearing this name had established deep roots in the English Midlands, particularly in the town of Leicester. Records from 1620 confirm that the Hudson family was already integrated into the social and economic life of this region during the reign of King James I. At this time, individuals with the name were often involved in local trades or agriculture, reflecting the typical life of common English families during the transition from the Elizabethan era to the Stuart period. As the name spread through the English countryside, it became a permanent fixture of the local population, marking the family as part of the long-standing history of Leicestershire.
Hudson Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Hudd
A medieval pet form of the Germanic name Hugh meaning heart or mind.
This name
HudsonA patronymic surname signifying son of the individual named Hudd or Hugh.
also spelled
Hutson
Huttson
Related arms
Hodgsonsame arms
Hodgson-Hindesame arms
Brokesbyrecorded with Hudson, same area
Draperrecorded with Hudson, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Kent History and Library Centre, Parish Registers of Kent, 1700–1750
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
