Map of Scotland showing where the Patton arms are recorded
The Patton 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 Patton 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 Patton Family in Scotland
The surname Patton is a diminutive form of the name Patrick, which was a common choice in Scotland due to the influence of Saint Patrick. By the middle of the 18th century, the family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh. During this period, the city was undergoing a massive transformation known as the Scottish Enlightenment. As the city expanded beyond its ancient medieval walls, families like the Pattons were part of a growing class of professionals and tradespeople who helped shape the urban culture of the capital. Because the name was derived from a popular saint, it was used by families across different social levels, making it a widespread identifier throughout the Lowlands of Scotland. The presence of the family in Edinburgh by 1748 suggests they were part of a stable and settled population during a time of significant social and economic growth in the region.
Patton Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Patrick
Derived from the Latin patricius meaning noble or patrician.
This name
PattonA patronymic surname meaning son of little Patrick.
also spelled
Patten
Pattoun
Patoun
Related arms
Mownesame arms
Pattenvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
National Records of Scotland, Old Parish Registers, Births and Baptisms, 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
