Map of England showing where the Orr arms are recorded
The Orr arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Orr 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 England.
Origin & History of the Orr Family in England
The family name Orr has deep roots in Northern England, particularly within the historic city of York. By the early 17th century, members of the family were well-established residents in this region, which served as a major center for trade and administration. The name itself is thought to be topographical in origin, likely referring to individuals who lived near a specific landmark or a riverbank. During the 1620s, the Orr family in York lived through a period of significant social change as the city transitioned from a medieval stronghold into a bustling hub of the early modern era. These early ancestors were part of the local community fabric, contributing to the daily life and economic development of Yorkshire long before the name spread more widely across the British Isles.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
bordureA difference between branches of one family
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Gu. three piles in point ar. a bordure of the last, on a chief or, a torteau betw. two crosses crosslet az. Crest, as the last”
EdinburghEdinburgh, c. 1768
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Map of Scotland showing where the Orr arms are recorded
The Orr arms were recorded in Edinburgh, c. 1768.
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 III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in England when the Orr 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 Edinburgh.
Origin & History of the Orr Family in Scotland
The surname Orr is deeply rooted in the history of the Scottish Lowlands, where it emerged as a locational name derived from the Gaelic word *odhar*, meaning pale or dun-colored. While the name appears in various records throughout the centuries, the family established a notable presence in Edinburgh by 1768. During this period, Edinburgh was a major center for the Scottish Enlightenment, and families like the Orrs were often involved in the city's growing professional and merchant classes. As the city expanded beyond its medieval walls, members of the family likely participated in the vibrant social and economic life of the capital. The name reflects a long history of migration and settlement within the region, linking the family to the broader development of urban life in Scotland during the eighteenth century.
Orr Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
odhar
A Gaelic term meaning pale or dun-colored.
This name
OrrA locational or descriptive surname referring to someone with a pale or light-colored complexion.
also spelled
Oure
Related arms
Richardsonrecorded with Orr, same area
Stewartrecorded with Orr, same area
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
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains’ Account Rolls, 1620–1625
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
bordureA difference between branches of one family
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
