A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Norton family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 9342 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
maunchThe lady's sleeve, worn as a favour
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur à une manche mal-taillée d'herm.; à la bande de gu., br. sur le tout. C.: un buste de More, tort. d'arg. et d'azur, cour. de lierre. S.: à dextre un lion d'or, coll. d'azur, bouclé d'or; à sen. un griffon d'arg., coll. d'azur. D.: AVI NUMERANTUR AVORUM.”
Britainc. 1782
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Map of Britain showing where the Norton arms are recorded
The Norton arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1782.
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.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in Britain when the Norton 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 Norton Family in Britain
The surname Norton is a classic example of a locative name, which means it was originally used to describe where a person lived. In Old English, the name is derived from the words "north" and "tun," which translates to a northern farmstead or settlement. Because many villages across England were situated to the north of a larger town or parish, the name emerged independently in several different regions rather than originating from a single ancestor. By the time the family was established in Kent in 1782, the name had been in use for centuries, often appearing in local tax records and parish registers as families moved between rural estates and growing market towns. These early Nortons were typically yeomen or tradespeople who became deeply rooted in their local communities, helping to shape the agricultural and social landscape of the English countryside over many generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Vert a lion ramp. or”
NorfolkNorfolk, c. 1269
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Map of England showing where the Norton arms are recorded
The Norton arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1269.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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.
Henry III of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry III of England
1216–1272
Reigning in Britain when the Norton 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Norton Family in England
The surname Norton is a classic example of a locational name, which was common in medieval England for identifying people by the place where they lived. The name is derived from the Old English words "north" and "tun," meaning a northern settlement or farmstead. By the time records appear in Norfolk in 1269, the name was already well-established among families who held land or served in local administrative roles. Because many villages across England were situated to the north of a larger town or parish, the name emerged independently in several different counties. This means that early Nortons were not necessarily related by blood, but were instead linked by their shared connection to northern-facing properties. Over the centuries, these families became deeply integrated into the local landscape, often appearing in legal documents as witnesses, jurors, or landowners who helped manage the rural economy of their respective shires.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
swordJustice, and military honour
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Per pale gu. and az. three swords ar. in triangle, meeting at the pommels, pommels and hilts or”
DublinDublin, c. 1615
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Map of Ireland showing where the Norton arms are recorded
The Norton arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1615.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Britain when the Norton 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Norton Family in Ireland
The family name Norton has roots in Ireland that stretch back to the early seventeenth century. While the name is of English origin, records confirm that members of the Norton family were established in Dublin by 1615. During this period, Dublin was a growing center of administration and trade, attracting settlers from across the Irish Sea who sought new opportunities in the capital. These early Nortons likely integrated into the city’s professional and merchant classes, contributing to the urban development of the region. As the family settled into their new environment, they became part of the complex social fabric of early modern Ireland. Their presence in the city records from this time serves as a clear marker of their transition into Irish life during a time of significant political and cultural change.
Norton Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
North Tun
Northern settlement or farmstead
This name
NortonDerived from Old English words indicating a person who lived at a northern farm or village.
also spelled
Nortton
Nortun
Nortone
Nortin
Nortoun
Related arms
Norlandsimilar arms
Bellrecorded with Norton, same area
Bellinghamrecorded with Norton, same area
Brownerecorded with Norton, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1782
Kent History and Library Centre, Parish registers for the county of Kent, 1782
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
maunchThe lady's sleeve, worn as a favour
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
maunchThe lady's sleeve, worn as a favour
lionCourage, strength and royalty
swordJustice, and military honour
