Map of England showing where the Matson arms are recorded
The Matson arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1620.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in the records.
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 Matson 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 Lancaster.
Origin & History of the Matson Family in England
The surname Matson is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of a man named Mat or Matthew. This naming convention was common in Northern Europe, particularly in Scandinavia and parts of England where Norse influence remained strong. By the early 17th century, the name had become well-established in the northern English county of Lancashire. Records confirm that members of the Matson family were living in Lancaster by 1620, a time when the town was a significant regional hub for trade and local government. Families during this period often stayed within the same geographic area for generations, meaning the Matsons of Lancaster were likely deeply integrated into the local community, working as tradespeople, farmers, or craftsmen who helped shape the early development of the town.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Matthew
Derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu meaning gift of God.
This name
MatsonA patronymic surname signifying the son of Matthew.
also spelled
Mattsone
Mattsun
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
Lancashire Archives, Lancaster Parish Church: Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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