A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Preston family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 4798 · French, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'or; au chef de sa., ch. de trois croiss. du champ. C.: un renard arrêté au nat., posé sur un chapeau de tournoi de gu., retr. d'herm. S.: deux renards, au nat. D.: SANS TACHE.”
Francec. 1478
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Map of France showing where the Preston arms are recorded
The Preston arms were recorded in France, c. 1478.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Louis XI of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XI of France
1461–1483
Reigning in France when the Preston arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Preston Family in France
The history of the Preston name in France is deeply tied to the rugged landscape of Brittany during the late fifteenth century. By 1478, records confirm that members of the family were established within this region, which was then a powerful duchy with its own distinct culture and legal traditions. Families in this area often took their names from the specific lands they managed or the local geography surrounding their homes. Because the name Preston suggests a connection to a priest’s estate or a religious settlement, it is likely that the family held land near a parish church or a monastic site. During this period, the family would have navigated the complex political shifts as Brittany moved toward its eventual union with the French crown. Their presence in the region highlights how families of that era integrated into the local economy and social hierarchy through land ownership and community service.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Ar. two bars gu. on a canton of the second a cinquefoil or”
LancasterHolker · Lancaster, c. 1613
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Map of England showing where the Preston arms are recorded
The Preston arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1613.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in the 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 France when the Preston 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 Lancaster.
Origin & History of the Preston Family in England
The surname Preston is a locational name that originated from the Old English words "preost," meaning priest, and "tun," meaning a settlement or town. This suggests that the earliest families bearing this name likely lived in or near a village owned or inhabited by members of the clergy. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Lancashire, a region where the name was already deeply rooted in the local landscape. Records from 1613 highlight the family’s integration into the social and administrative life of Lancaster, reflecting a time when families were increasingly identified by their connection to specific geographic locations. As the family grew, they became part of the broader history of Northern England, moving from simple village origins to becoming recognized members of the local community.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. three unicorns' heads erased sa. a bordure az”
PerthValleyfield House · Perth, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Preston arms are recorded
The Preston arms were recorded in Perth, c. 1748.
Perth sat where the Highlands meet the Lowlands, and its families held land on both sides of that line. Estates passed down whole for centuries, and unbroken tenure is what puts a name in the register.
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 France when the Preston 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 Perth.
Origin & History of the Preston Family in Scotland
The name Preston is a locational surname that originated from Old English, meaning a town or settlement belonging to a priest. While the name has deep roots across Britain, its presence in Scotland became firmly established through land grants and local influence. By the mid-18th century, families bearing this name were well-integrated into the social and economic fabric of Scottish urban centers. Records confirm that members of the Preston family were active in the city of Perth by 1748, where they participated in the local trade and civic life of the region. During this era, Perth served as a vital hub for commerce and politics, and families like the Prestons contributed to the steady development of the town as it transitioned through a period of significant social change.
Preston Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Preost-tun
Old English for priest and town or settlement.
This name
PrestonRefers to a settlement or estate belonging to a priest or church.
also spelled
Prestonne
Prestoun
Prestone
Priston
Related arms
Fritzesimilar arms
Beckinghamsimilar arms
Derwentwatersimilar arms
Aclomerecorded with Preston, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives Départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Fonds de la famille de Preston, série E
Poter, Arthur, La Bretagne au XVe siècle, 1982
Quaghebeur, Joëlle, La Cornouaille du IXe au XIIe siècle: Mémoire, pouvoirs, noblesse, 2002
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
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cinquefoilHope and joy
bordureA difference between branches of one family
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
