A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Morrison family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 0296 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
savages head affrontyAn enemy overcome
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'or au chev. de gu., ch. de trois bes. d'arg. et acc. de trois bustes de More, tort. d'arg., posées de front; le tout acc. en chef d'une pierre au nat. C.: trois épées passées jusqu'à la garde dans les têtes de More, ensanglantées de gu.; les épées d'arg., garnies d'or, deux en saut. et une en pal, les pointes en bas. D.: FIDUS ET AUDAX.”
BritainEtats-Unis, c. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the Morrison arms are recorded
The Morrison arms were recorded in Etats-Unis, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Morrison arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Morrison Family in Britain
The surname Morrison has deep roots in the British Isles, primarily emerging as a patronymic name that means son of Morris. The name Morris itself is derived from the Latin name Mauritius, which eventually became popular throughout England and Scotland after the Norman Conquest. By the time the family was firmly established in Kent during the early 1700s, the name had already spread across various social classes, ranging from laborers to local landowners. Families with this name often settled in rural parishes where they integrated into the local agricultural economy. Because record-keeping in the eighteenth century relied heavily on parish registers, the presence of the Morrison name in Kent serves as a clear marker of a family that had become a settled part of the English landscape. These early generations helped define the local community through their work and their participation in the daily life of their neighborhood.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Or, on a cross sa. five fleurs-de-lis ar”
LancasterLancaster, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Morrison arms are recorded
The Morrison 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 Britain when the Morrison 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 Morrison Family in England
The surname Morrison has deep roots in the northern regions of England, particularly within the county of Lancaster. The name is a patronymic, which means it was originally formed by combining the name Morris with the word son to indicate a family lineage. By the year 1620, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in the Lancaster area. During this period, the family likely lived as part of the local agrarian or merchant communities that defined the social landscape of the English Northwest. Because the name became common in this specific region, it suggests that early Morrisons were deeply integrated into the local parish life and the economic activities of the Lancashire towns. Their presence in 1620 places them in a time of significant social change in England, as families began to solidify their identities and community roles during the early seventeenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Or, on a cross sa. five fleurs-de-lis of the field”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Morrison arms are recorded
The Morrison 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 Britain when the Morrison 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 Morrison Family in Ireland
The Morrison name in Ireland has deep roots that connect to both Gaelic and Viking influences. While the name is often associated with Scottish origins, families bearing this surname were well-established in Dublin by 1645. During this period, the name appeared in official records as part of the growing urban population in the capital city. Many of these early settlers were likely part of the administrative or merchant classes who helped shape the city during the seventeenth century. Over time, the family integrated into the local social fabric, moving beyond the city walls to establish themselves in various parts of the country. Their presence in Dublin during the mid-1600s highlights how the family was already a recognized part of Irish life during a time of significant political and social transition.
Morrison Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Muir
A Scottish Gaelic term referring to the sea or a moor.
This name
MorrisonSon of Maurice, derived from the Latin name Mauritius meaning dark or Moorish.
also spelled
Morison
Morisun
Moryson
Related arms
Morissonvariant spelling
Morisson de la Bassetièrevariant spelling
Morsonvariant spelling
Farmerrecorded with Morrison, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
The National Archives, Parish registers of Kent, 1700–1750
Kent History and Library Centre, Bishop's Transcripts for Kent Parishes, 1700–1720
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