Map of England showing where the Petrie arms are recorded
The Petrie arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Petrie 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Petrie Family in England
The surname Petrie is a variant of the name Peter, which traces its roots back to the Greek word for stone. While the name has strong connections to Scotland, historical records confirm that families bearing the name were well-established in the county of Kent, England, by the early 17th century. During this period, Kent served as a vital hub for trade and migration due to its proximity to London and the English Channel. Families like the Petries often settled in these coastal regions to participate in the growing agricultural and mercantile economy of the time. As the name spread southward from its northern origins, it became integrated into the local parish records and community life of Kentish villages. By 1620, these families were active participants in the social and economic landscape of the region, helping to shape the local history of southeastern England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. a bend betw. a stag's head couped in chief, and three crosses crosslet fitchée in base ar., on a chief of the last as many escallops gu”
KincardinePortlethen · Kincardine, c. 1672
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 Petrie arms are recorded
The Petrie arms were recorded in Kincardine, c. 1672.
Kincardineshire was a narrow strip of farmland between the hills and the North Sea. Its landed families were few but very long-settled, and long settlement brought 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 Scotland in this period.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in England when the Petrie 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 Kincardine.
Origin & History of the Petrie Family in Scotland
The surname Petrie is a Scottish locational name that is historically rooted in the northeastern regions of the country. While the name is often linked to the personal name Peter, it gained prominence as a distinct family identity through individuals living in specific parishes. By the year 1672, records confirm that members of the Petrie family were well-established in Kincardine. During this period, families in this area were often tied to the land through agricultural work or local trade. As the centuries progressed, the family spread from these rural roots into the growing towns of Aberdeenshire and beyond. This expansion was typical for Scottish families of the time who sought new opportunities in the expanding merchant classes. Today, the name remains a testament to the long-standing presence of these early settlers in the Scottish landscape.
Petrie Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Petrus
A Latin word meaning a stone or a rock.
This name
PetrieA Scottish and English surname derived from a diminutive form of Peter, meaning son of Peter.
also spelled
Petre
Petree
Related arms
Petervariant spelling
Petrevariant spelling
Petreevariant spelling
Hillrecorded with Petrie, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
Kent Archives, Archdeaconry of Canterbury Marriage Licences, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
