Map of Scotland showing where the Ornelas arms are recorded
The Ornelas arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland when the Ornelas 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 Scotland.
Origin & History of the Ornelas Family in Scotland
The Ornelas family name possesses a unique historical footprint in Scotland, particularly within the city of Edinburgh during the mid-eighteenth century. While the name is traditionally associated with Iberian roots, records confirm that members of the family were established residents of Edinburgh by 1748. During this period, the city was undergoing significant social and intellectual changes known as the Scottish Enlightenment. Families like the Ornelas clan likely integrated into the urban fabric of the capital by participating in the growing merchant class or the professional circles that defined the era. Although they were a small presence, their documented existence in the city archives indicates that they successfully navigated the complexities of Scottish society at a time when Edinburgh was becoming a major center for trade and culture. This early residency suggests that the family was part of the diverse population that contributed to the cosmopolitan character of Scotland’s capital long before the modern era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. three torteaux in bend betw. two cotises gu. a chief sa”
LancasterLancaster, c. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Ornelas arms are recorded
The Ornelas 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 Scotland when the Ornelas 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 Ornelas Family in England
The history of the Ornelas family in England begins with a small but significant presence in the town of Lancaster during the early 17th century. Records indicate that members of the family were living in this region by 1620, a time when Lancaster served as a vital hub for trade and local governance in the north of England. While the name itself has roots that stretch across continental Europe, its appearance in Lancashire suggests that these early individuals were likely integrated into the local merchant or craft communities of the era. Life in Lancaster during this period was defined by the transition from medieval traditions to the early modern economy, and the family would have navigated the social shifts of the Stuart period alongside their neighbors. By establishing themselves in this historic town, the early Ornelas settlers became part of the long-standing demographic tapestry of the English Northwest, contributing to the local culture and development of the region during a time of immense national change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Orno
Latin term referring to the flowering ash tree.
This name
OrnelasDerived from a topographic location associated with ash tree groves or plantations.
also spelled
Ornall
Ornal
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh Register of Marriages, 1748
National Records of Scotland, Register of Deeds, 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
