Map of France showing where the Manson arms are recorded
The Manson arms were recorded in Provence, c. 1663.
Provence was old country, with towns dating to the Romans and families who traced their land back nearly as far. Its gentry were many and long-settled, and long settlement is what fills a register.
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 France in this period.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Manson arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Provence.
Origin & History of the Manson Family in France
The surname Manson has deep roots in the historical landscape of southern France, particularly within the sun-drenched region of Provence. By the year 1663, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established members of the local community. The name likely originated as a descriptive term or a variation of occupational titles common to the era, reflecting the daily lives of people living in small rural villages or growing trade centers. During the seventeenth century, the people of Provence lived through a time of significant social change, and the Manson family would have been deeply connected to the agricultural cycles and religious traditions of the Mediterranean coast. As they navigated the complex political environment of the French monarchy, these early ancestors helped shape the regional identity of the area. Their presence in official documents from this period serves as a window into the lives of common citizens who contributed to the enduring cultural heritage of southern France.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 calvary betw. two mullets gu”
Scotlandc. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Manson arms are recorded
The Manson 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 France when the Manson 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 Manson Family in Scotland
The Manson surname has deep roots in the northern regions of Scotland, where it functioned as a patronymic name meaning son of Magnus. This name origin links the family to the historical influence of Norse settlers who occupied parts of the Scottish Highlands and the Northern Isles for centuries. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the capital city of Edinburgh. Records from 1748 show that members of the Manson family were active participants in the urban life of the city during a period of significant economic and cultural growth. These early residents were part of the expanding professional and merchant classes that defined the Scottish Enlightenment. Their transition from northern ancestral lands to the bustling center of Edinburgh reflects the broader movement of families seeking new opportunities in the rapidly modernizing society of eighteenth-century Scotland.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. a chev. betw. three annulets ar”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Manson arms are recorded
The Manson arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in France when the Manson 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 England.
Origin & History of the Manson Family in England
The surname Manson has deep roots in the northern regions of England, particularly around the historic city of York. By the early 17th century, the name was already established in this area, suggesting that the family had lived there for generations. The name itself is a patronymic, which means it was originally formed by combining the name Man with the suffix son. In this context, Man was often a nickname for a person who was considered a servant or a follower of a specific lord. Over time, as surnames became necessary for tax records and legal identification, these families adopted the name to signify their lineage. Living in a major hub like York meant that early members of the Manson family were likely involved in the bustling trade and craft guilds that defined the city’s economy during the 1600s. Their presence in such a significant administrative center indicates that they were part of the growing middle class that helped shape the social fabric of northern England during the Stuart period.
Manson Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mansionem
Latin term for a dwelling, house, or place of stay.
This name
MansonAn occupational or locational surname referring to someone who lived in or managed a large house.
also spelled
Mansonn
Mansone
Mansson
Maneson
Mansun
Related arms
Parkrecorded with Manson, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales des Bouches-du-Rhône, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil de Provence, 1663
Boyer, Ferdinand, La vie quotidienne en Provence au XVIIe siècle, 1964
Poupardin, René, Recueil des actes des rois de Provence, 1920
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
