Map of England showing where the Painton arms are recorded
The Painton arms were recorded in Sussex, c. 1615.
Sussex had ironworks in its woods and good farmland on its downs. Both made money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names in the heraldic 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 England when the Painton 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 Sussex.
Origin & History of the Painton Family in England
The surname Painton is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, where it likely originated as a locative name for individuals residing near a specific town or settlement. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Sussex. Records from 1615 confirm that members of the Painton family were active participants in the local community during this period. Life in Sussex at that time was defined by agricultural labor and the influence of the parish church, which served as the primary center for recording births, marriages, and deaths. As these early ancestors navigated the social and economic shifts of the Stuart era, they helped cement the name within the regional history of southern England. The persistence of the name in local documents suggests that these early families were well-integrated into the fabric of their villages, contributing to the development of the rural society that characterized the English countryside for generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Or, an eagle displ. sa. in chief a rose gu. betw. two mullets of the second”
ScotlandBlackhouse, c. 1748
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 Scotland showing where the Painton arms are recorded
The Painton arms were recorded in Blackhouse, 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 England when the Painton 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 Painton Family in Scotland
The history of the Painton family in Scotland is deeply rooted in the urban development of Edinburgh during the mid-eighteenth century. By 1748, records confirm that members of the family were established residents within the city, a time when Edinburgh was transitioning from its medieval layout into the expansion of the New Town. The name likely originated as a topographical or occupational descriptor, reflecting the movement of people across the border regions during an era of significant social change. As the family integrated into the local community, they participated in the daily life of a capital city that was becoming a major center for the Scottish Enlightenment. Their presence in the historical record during this period suggests they were part of the growing professional and merchant classes who helped shape the modern identity of the city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Paganus
Latin term meaning a country dweller or rustic person.
This name
PaintonDerived from a medieval personal name, indicating someone from a rural village or settlement.
also spelled
Panten
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Lower, Mark Antony, A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom, 1860
West Sussex Record Office, Parish Registers of the Diocese of Chichester, 1615
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
