A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Neilsen family of Britain.
Reg. 9842 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. au chev. de gu., acc. de trois mains appaumées d'azur, posées chacune en pal. C.: un avant-bras, posé en pal, tenant un poignard. L. d'arg. et de gu. T.: à dextre un chevalier, la visière levée, tenant un drapeau ch. d'un écusson des armes; à sen. un montagnard écossais, tenant une banderole. D.: HIS REGI SERVITIIS.”
BritainFrance, c. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the Neilsen arms are recorded
The Neilsen arms were recorded in France, 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 Neilsen 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 Neilsen Family in Britain
The surname Neilsen is a patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of someone named Neil. The name Neil itself comes from the Gaelic word Niall, which carries the meaning of a champion or a cloud. While the name has strong roots in Scandinavian and Northern European naming traditions, families bearing this name established themselves in the English county of Kent by the early 1700s. During this period, Kent was a bustling region shaped by its proximity to London and the coast, making it a common destination for families moving for trade or agricultural work. By settling in this area, early members of the Neilsen family became part of the local parish records and community life that defined eighteenth-century England. Over time, the spelling of the name often shifted to reflect local pronunciation, yet it remained a clear link to the family's ancestral origins.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Niels
A Scandinavian form of the Greek name Nicholas meaning victory of people.
This name
NeilsenA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person named Niels or Nicholas.
also spelled
Nielson
Neilsen
Nealson
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Cottle, Basil. The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. 1967
Reaney, P.H. A Dictionary of British Surnames. 1958
Kent History and Library Centre. Parish Registers of Kent. 1700–1750
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
handFaith, sincerity and justice
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
handFaith, sincerity and justice
