A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Lawson family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8228 · English, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cinquefoilHope and joy
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Paly of four gu. and vert, on a chev. or, a greyhound's head erased sa. betw. two cinquefoils az. on a chief of the third an ogress, thereon a demi lion ramp. ar. betw. two crescents of the fourth, on each three plates”
YorkPopleton · York, c. 1530
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Map of England showing where the Lawson arms are recorded
The Lawson arms were recorded in York, c. 1530.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them 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 England in this period.
Henry VIII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VIII of England
1509–1547
Reigning in England when the Lawson 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 York.
Origin & History of the Lawson Family in England
The surname Lawson originated as a patronymic, meaning it was created to identify a person as the son of someone named Lawrence. In the northern regions of England, the name became established as a distinct family identifier during the late Middle Ages. By the year 1530, records confirm that members of the Lawson family were well-settled in the city of York. During this period, the family began to rise in social and economic standing, often through involvement in the local merchant guilds and civic administration. As the family grew, they expanded their influence across Northern England, moving from urban centers into rural estates. Their history reflects the broader movement of northern families who transitioned from simple trade-based roles to becoming significant landowners and local officials during the Tudor era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 saltire and chief sa. on the last three garbs or”
PeeblesBoghall · Peebles, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Lawson arms are recorded
The Lawson arms were recorded in Peebles, c. 1748.
Peeblesshire was upland sheep country in the Scottish borders. Wool made steady money, families bought and held small estates, and holding an estate is what brought 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 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 Lawson 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 Peebles.
Origin & History of the Lawson Family in Scotland
The surname Lawson is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of Lawrence. In Scotland, the name became established as families moved from smaller settlements into growing market towns. By the mid-18th century, the Lawsons were well-documented residents of the royal burgh of Peebles. This town served as a vital center for trade and local government in the Scottish Borders. Families like the Lawsons often held positions of responsibility within these communities, participating in the local craft guilds or serving as burgesses. Their presence in Peebles by 1748 reflects a period of stability where families began to settle permanently in one location to build their livelihoods. This transition from a mobile society to a rooted town life helped the Lawson name become a lasting part of the regional history of the Scottish Borders.
Lawson Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Lawrence
Derived from the Latin Laurentius meaning from Laurentum or laurel crowned.
This name
LawsonA patronymic surname signifying the son of Lawrence.
also spelled
Laweson
Lawsonne
Related arms
Alexanderrecorded with Lawson, same area
Hepburnrecorded with Lawson, same area
Jenisonrecorded with Lawson, same area
Moncreiffrecorded with Lawson, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, Henry VIII, 1509–1547
York City Archives, York Civic Records, 1530–1540
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cinquefoilHope and joy
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cinquefoilHope and joy
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
