Map of England showing where the Rawson arms are recorded
The Rawson arms were recorded in York, c. 1585.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Rawson 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 York.
Origin & History of the Rawson Family in England
The surname Rawson is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of someone named Raw. In medieval England, Raw was a common nickname for the name Ralph. By the time the family was firmly established in York during the late sixteenth century, the name had become a fixed hereditary surname passed down through generations. During this period, York served as a major northern hub for trade and administration, providing a stable environment for families like the Rawsons to build their lives. Historical records from 1585 confirm their presence in the city, where they were likely involved in the local merchant guilds or the agricultural economy that supported the region. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Yorkshire, contributing to the local community long before the name spread to other parts of the country.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
ravenConstancy and divine providence
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, sa. and az. a castle with four towers ar.; 2nd and 3rd, on a chev. vert three ravens' heads erased ar. over all on a chief gu. a cross or”
IrelandKilmainham, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Rawson arms are recorded
The Rawson arms were recorded in Kilmainham, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Rawson arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Rawson Family in Ireland
The Rawson family name arrived in Ireland during a period of significant political upheaval and migration. While the name has deep roots in England, records confirm that members of the family were firmly established in Dublin by 1645. During the mid-seventeenth century, Dublin served as a central hub for administrators and settlers arriving from across the Irish Sea. The Rawsons who settled in the city often integrated into the growing urban merchant and professional classes. As the century progressed, the family expanded their influence beyond the capital, eventually securing land and property in other parts of the country. Their presence in the historical record reflects the broader movement of families who navigated the complex social and economic landscape of seventeenth-century Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Raul
Derived from the Germanic name Radulf meaning wolf counsel.
This name
RawsonA patronymic surname meaning son of Ralph or son of Rawe.
also spelled
Rawsonne
Rauson
Rawssen
Related arms
Bridgemanrecorded with Rawson, same area
Dabernonrecorded with Rawson, same area
Emeryrecorded with Rawson, same area
Hallrecorded with Rawson, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York Civic Records, 1585
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ravenConstancy and divine providence
