Map of England showing where the Lawrence arms are recorded
The Lawrence arms were recorded in Gloucester, c. 1598.
Gloucestershire had good farmland, a cloth trade in its valleys and a river carrying goods to Bristol. All three made money, and money bought the estates that brought arms with them.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Lawrence 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 Gloucester.
Origin & History of the Lawrence Family in England
The surname Lawrence originates from the Latin name Laurentius, which means someone who comes from the town of Laurentum or someone crowned with laurel leaves. In England, the name became popular due to the influence of Saint Lawrence, a highly respected martyr from the early Christian church. By the late 16th century, the family had established a clear presence in the city of Gloucester. Records from 1598 confirm that members of the family were active residents in this region during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. At that time, Gloucester was a busy center for trade and local government, and families like the Lawrences often participated in the civic life of the city. As the name spread across the English countryside, it evolved from a religious title into a common hereditary surname that linked generations of families to their local communities.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. a cross gu. on a chief of the second a lion pass. guard. or”
Scotlandc. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Lawrence arms are recorded
The Lawrence arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Lawrence arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Lawrence Family in Scotland
The family name Lawrence has deep roots in Scotland, where it evolved from the Latin name Laurentius, meaning one who is crowned with laurel leaves. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the name was well-established within the bustling urban environment of Edinburgh. During this era, families with this surname were often integrated into the city’s growing professional and merchant classes as Scotland experienced a period of significant economic and cultural change known as the Scottish Enlightenment. While the name was once associated with religious figures in early medieval times, by 1748, the Lawrences in Edinburgh were part of a society transitioning toward modern industry and civic life. These early residents helped shape the local community, leaving behind records in parish registers and legal documents that reflect their daily lives in the capital city.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. a cross raguly gu., for LAWRENCE; 2nd and 3rd, sa. a catharine wheel betw. two crescents in chief and a trefoil in base or, for SCOTT”
GalwayLisreaghan · Galway, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Lawrence arms are recorded
The Lawrence arms were recorded in Galway, c. 1645.
Galway was western Irish country of poor land and a rich port. A small group of merchant families ran the town for centuries and held estates around it, and both kinds of property carried 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Lawrence 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 Galway.
Origin & History of the Lawrence Family in Ireland
The Lawrence family name arrived in Ireland during a period of significant political and social upheaval. By 1645, records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of Galway, which was a major hub for trade and commerce at the time. The name itself is derived from the Latin name Laurentius, meaning one who is crowned with laurel leaves, and it spread across Europe through the influence of the early Christian church. When the family settled in Galway, they integrated into a society defined by a mix of Gaelic traditions and the influence of Anglo-Norman merchant families known as the Tribes of Galway. Over the following decades, the Lawrences navigated the complex landscape of Irish land ownership and local governance. Their presence in the west of Ireland highlights how families of diverse origins became part of the local fabric during the seventeenth century.
Lawrence Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Laurentius
A person from the ancient city of Laurentum in Italy.
This name
LawrenceDerived from the Latin term for laurel, symbolizing victory and honor.
also spelled
Laurence
Lawrens
Lorens
Lawrance
Related arms
Morlandsimilar arms
Laurencevariant spelling
Lawrancevariant spelling
Lawrensvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
Gloucestershire Archives, Records of the City of Gloucester: Council Minute Books, 1598
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
