Map of England showing where the Mason arms are recorded
The Mason arms were recorded in Huntingdon, c. 1620.
Huntingdonshire was small, flat fen-edge country. Drainage made new farmland and new fortunes, and families who gained by it bought manors and took arms to match.
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 Mason 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 Huntingdon.
Origin & History of the Mason Family in England
The surname Mason originated as an occupational name in medieval England, serving as a direct descriptor for individuals who worked as stone cutters or builders. During the Middle Ages, the construction of grand cathedrals, castles, and manor houses required a large workforce of skilled laborers, and those who specialized in shaping stone became known as masons. By the time the family was firmly established in Huntingdon in 1620, the name had transitioned from a simple job title to a hereditary surname passed down through generations. Families bearing this name often lived in growing market towns where their trade was essential for maintaining infrastructure and expanding local architecture. As these individuals settled into communities like Huntingdon, they became part of the backbone of English society, contributing their technical expertise to the development of the local landscape during the early seventeenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
spurKnighthood, and readiness to spur on
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 bend wavy az. betw. two spur-rowels in chief and a fleur-de-lis in base gu”
AyrRosebank · Ayr, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Mason arms are recorded
The Mason arms were recorded in Ayr, c. 1748.
Ayrshire was farming country along Scotland's south-west coast, held in a great many small estates. Its lairds were numerous rather than rich, and each holding brought its own claim to 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 Mason 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 Ayr.
Origin & History of the Mason Family in Scotland
The surname Mason is an occupational name that originated from the medieval trade of stone cutting and building. In Scotland, the name became established as families moved into skilled labor roles during the growth of towns and infrastructure. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the Mason family had developed a clear presence in the coastal town of Ayr. Records from 1748 confirm that members of the family were active residents in this region, which was a significant hub for trade and local governance at the time. These early ancestors likely contributed to the development of the local community through their work in the building trades or through local commerce. Their settlement in Ayr reflects the broader movement of families who sought stability and professional opportunities in Scottish burghs during the mid-1700s.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
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)
“Ar. a lion ramp. with two heads az”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Mason arms are recorded
The Mason arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Mason 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Mason Family in Ireland
The family name Mason arrived in Ireland primarily through migration from England, taking root as part of the shifting social landscape of the seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the Mason family were established in Dublin, a city that served as a central hub for administration and trade during this turbulent period. The name itself is occupational, originating from the Middle English word for a stonecutter or builder, which suggests that early ancestors likely traveled to Ireland to assist in the construction of fortifications, churches, or growing urban infrastructure. As these families settled into the Dublin area, they integrated into the local economy and civic life. Over time, the name became a permanent fixture in the region, reflecting the broader movement of craftsmen and settlers who helped shape the development of Irish towns during the mid-1600s.
Mason Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
macio
Latin term meaning to make or construct by hand.
This name
MasonAn occupational surname for a person who works with stone or brick.
also spelled
Mayson
Maison
Related arms
Maistersame arms
Mastersame arms
Maisonvariant spelling
Artrecorded with Mason, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I, 1620
Huntingdonshire Archives, Parish Registers of Huntingdon, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
spurKnighthood, and readiness to spur on
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
