Map of Britain showing where the Patterson arms are recorded
The Patterson arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1686.
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.
James II of England
Sovereign of the period
James II of England
1685–1688
Reigning in Britain when the Patterson 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 Patterson Family in Britain
The surname Patterson is a patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of Patrick. This name became common in the British Isles during the Middle Ages as people began adopting hereditary surnames to distinguish themselves in growing communities. While the name has strong roots in the northern regions of Britain, records confirm that members of the family were established in the county of Kent by 1686. During this period, families often moved across the country to find work in local trades or agriculture, and the presence of the Pattersons in Kent suggests they were part of the steady migration of families seeking new opportunities in the southern English countryside. Over time, the spelling of the name became standardized, reflecting the way it was spoken and recorded by local clerks in parish registers and legal documents.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à trois pélicans dans leur aire au nat., avec leur piété de gu.; au chef bastillé de trois pièces d'azur, ch. d'un bes. d'or entre deux étoiles du même. C.: un pélican de l'écu. D.: JE MEURS POUR CEUX QUE J'AIME.”
BelgiumBruges, c. 1737
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Map of Belgium showing where the Patterson arms are recorded
The Patterson arms were recorded in Bruges, c. 1737.
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 Belgium in this period.
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
1711–1740
Reigning in Britain when the Patterson arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Belgium
In Belgium, a coat of arms is considered personal property that is passed down through the male line to legitimate descendants. Families often use the same shield design across generations to show their shared heritage. If a branch of the family wants to change the design, they must apply for an official update to their specific version of the arms.
Granting authority
The Conseil héraldique is the official body that regulates and approves all coats of arms in Belgium.
How they got arms
Families obtain their coats of arms through formal royal grants or by confirming their historical right to use existing designs.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms are officially recorded in the public registers of the Conseil héraldique since 1844.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Belgium.
Origin & History of the Patterson Family in Belgium
The name Patterson originates from the British Isles as a patronymic, meaning it translates to the son of Patrick. While the name is deeply rooted in Scottish and Irish history, members of the family established a notable presence in the Belgian city of Bruges by 1737. During this era, Bruges served as a vital hub for international trade and commerce, attracting merchants and skilled professionals from across Europe. The Pattersons who settled there likely integrated into the local mercantile class, navigating the complex social and economic landscape of the Austrian Netherlands. Their presence in the city suggests they were part of a mobile group of families who moved across borders to pursue new business opportunities. By embedding themselves in the urban life of Bruges, these early family members contributed to the diverse cultural fabric of the city during the eighteenth century.
Patterson Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Patrick
Derived from the Latin patricius meaning noble or patrician.
This name
PattersonA patronymic surname meaning son of Patrick.
also spelled
Patterson
Patersonne
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
The National Archives, Parish registers of Kent, series RG 4
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
