A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Pedersen family of Norway.
Reg. 0646 · Norwegian, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. au chev. d'azur, acc. en chef à dextre d'une demi-aigle de sa., bq. et m. d'or, mouv. du chev., à sen. d'une demi-fleur-de-lis de gu., mouv. aussi du chev., et en p. une étoile de gu.”
NorwayNorvége, c. 1605
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Map of Norway showing where the Pedersen arms are recorded
The Pedersen arms were recorded in Norvége, c. 1605.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Oslo.
Oslo held the Norwegian court and the offices that went with it. Norway's landed families were few and most held some post under the crown, and a post of that kind was what brought a shield.
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 Norway in this period.
Christian IV of Denmark
Sovereign of the period
Christian IV of Denmark
1588–1648
Reigning in Norway when the Pedersen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Norway
Norwegian families often assumed their own coats of arms freely without needing official permission from the crown. These symbols functioned as personal seals for merchants and farmers rather than just marks of nobility. Families passed these designs through generations as private property. When branches split, they frequently modified the original colors or shapes to create distinct versions for their own use.
Granting authority
The Norwegian royal chancery oversaw the formal recognition of noble status and the official registration of coats of arms.
How they got arms
Most families simply adopted their own unique designs to use on seals and property, though some sought royal confirmation.
Where arms were recorded
Official records of noble arms were kept in the royal chancery archives, which began documenting these grants during the union period.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Norway.
Origin & History of the Pedersen Family in Norway
The surname Pedersen is a patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of Peder. In Norway, this naming tradition was very common because people did not use fixed family surnames until much later in history. By the year 1605, records show that members of the Pedersen family were already established in Oslo. During this era, Oslo was a growing center of trade and government under Danish rule. Families living in the city at that time were often involved in local commerce or served in official roles for the state. Because the name simply means son of Peder, many unrelated families adopted it independently across different regions of Scandinavia. This makes the history of the name a reflection of how ordinary people lived and identified themselves within their local communities during the early seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Petrus
A Greek name meaning stone or rock.
This name
PedersenA patronymic surname meaning son of Peder or son of Peter.
also spelled
Pederson
Pederssen
Related arms
Paedhersenvariant spelling
Pedersönvariant spelling
Haserecorded with Pedersen, same area
Ormsenrecorded with Pedersen, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dyrvik, Ståle. Norsk historie 1625–1814. 1999
National Archives of Norway (Arkivverket). Oslo bys regnskaper 1605
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
