Map of Scotland showing where the Loran arms are recorded
The Loran arms were recorded in Berwick, c. 1774.
Berwickshire was Scottish border country, raided and fought over for three centuries. Families held their land in return for defending it, and a defending household carried a shield.
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 III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in Scotland when the Loran 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 Berwick.
Origin & History of the Loran Family in Scotland
The family name Loran has deep roots that trace back to the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Borders. Historical records confirm that members of the family were firmly established in the town of Berwick by 1774. During this period, Berwick served as a vital hub for trade and agriculture, placing the family at the center of a bustling community that navigated the complex political shifts between Scotland and England. The name itself likely evolved from older regional dialects, reflecting the linguistic changes common in the borderlands during the eighteenth century. As families in this area were often tied to the land or local maritime industries, the early Lorans were likely industrious people who contributed to the local economy and social fabric of the town. Their presence in the official registers of the time highlights a family that was well-integrated into the daily life and legal structures of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Laurentius
Derived from the Latin word for the laurel tree or plant.
This name
LoranA Scottish surname indicating someone from the place of the laurel trees.
also spelled
Loraigne
Lorayne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Berwick-upon-Tweed Record Office, Berwick-upon-Tweed Parish Registers, 1774
Johnston, James B., Place-Names of Scotland, 1934
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
