Map of England showing where the Madison arms are recorded
The Madison arms were recorded in Durham, c. 1620.
Durham was governed by its bishop rather than the crown for most of its history, with its own courts and its own landed class. That separate world produced a tight group of families, nearly all of whom held 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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Madison 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 Durham.
Origin & History of the Madison Family in England
The surname Madison originated as a patronymic, meaning it was formed by combining a father’s name with the suffix "son." Specifically, the name translates to "son of Maud," as Maud was a popular medieval name derived from the Germanic name Matilda. By the early 17th century, families bearing this name were well-established in the northern English county of Durham. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Madison family held significant social standing in this region, often serving as prominent merchants and local officials in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne. These early ancestors played an active role in the economic life of the area, helping to shape the development of the local community long before the name spread to other parts of the world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Maud
A Germanic name meaning battle-mighty or strength in battle.
This name
MadisonPatronymic surname meaning son of Maud or son of Matthew.
also spelled
Madison
Maddison
Madeson
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. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Durham County Record Office, Durham Bishopric Estates Records, 1620
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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
