A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Karlsson family of Sweden.
Reg. 7639 · Swedish, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
knightChivalry and service in arms
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: au 1 d'azur au lion naiss. d'or, cour. du même, tenant une épée d'arg., garnie d'or; aux 2 et 3 d'or à une couronne d'or en chef, et trois boules mal-ordonnées d'azur en p.; au 4 d'azur au lion naiss. de gu., cour. d'or, supp. de sa patte dextre une boule du même. Sur le tout d'arg. à un homme d'armes, arm. de toutes pièces au nat., coiffé d'un turban d'arg., tenant de sa main dextre une pique et de sa sen. un bouclier ovale d'arg. ch. de cinq los. de sa., appointées en croix. Trois cq. cour. C.: 1° un bras, arm. au nat., mouv. d'un demi-vol d'arg. et déchargeant un pistolet au nat., en bande; 2° l'homme d'armes, iss.; 3° une épée d'arg., garnie d'or, entre deux bannières accostées d'arg.; le tout br. sur six bannières de gu., bordées d'arg., trois à dextre et trois à sen. L.: à dextre d'or et d'azur, à sen. d'arg. et de gu.”
Swedenc. 1674
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Map of Sweden showing where the Karlsson arms are recorded
The Karlsson arms were recorded in Sweden, c. 1674.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Stockholm.
Stockholm held the Swedish court and the House of Nobility, where every noble family's arms were entered and kept. Families ennobled for service registered there, which is why so many are recorded around the city.
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 Sweden in this period.
Charles XI of Sweden
Sovereign of the period
Charles XI of Sweden
1660–1697
Reigning in Sweden when the Karlsson arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Sweden
In Sweden, a coat of arms belonged to a noble family as a whole rather than just one individual. These arms were passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants. Younger branches of the family used the same shield without needing to change it. This system ensured that the entire lineage shared the same identity and status under the law.
Granting authority
The Riddarhuset, or House of Nobility, regulated all noble coats of arms in Sweden under royal authority.
How they got arms
Families received their coats of arms through royal grants of nobility which were then officially registered with the House.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Swedish House of Nobility register starting in the year 1626.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Sweden.
Origin & History of the Karlsson Family in Sweden
The surname Karlsson is a classic example of a patronymic naming tradition, which was the primary way people identified themselves in Sweden for centuries. The name literally translates to son of Karl. During the seventeenth century, most Swedes did not have permanent family names. Instead, a person took their father’s first name and added the word son to the end. Records confirm that members of this family were living in Stockholm by 1674. At that time, Stockholm was a growing city that attracted people from all over the country who were looking for work in trade or government service. Because the name was based on a common first name, many unrelated families adopted it independently across different regions of Sweden. Over time, the name transitioned from a temporary description of parentage into a fixed hereditary surname that was passed down through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Karl
A Germanic word meaning free man or man of the people.
This name
KarlssonA patronymic surname meaning the son of Karl.
also spelled
Karlsson
Carlson
Karlson
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Otterbjörk, Roland, Svenska förnamn, 1964
Stockholm City Archives (Stockholms stadsarkiv), Mantalslängder 1674 (Tax Census Records)
Brylla, Eva, Förnamn i Sverige: Kortfattat namnlexikon, 2004
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
knightChivalry and service in arms
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
