Map of Britain showing where the Rayne arms are recorded
The Rayne arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1641.
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 Britain in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Britain when the Rayne arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Rayne Family in Britain
The family name Rayne has deep roots in the English landscape, with early records confirming that members of the family were established in the county of Kent by 1641. During the seventeenth century, Kent was a vital region for agriculture and trade, and families like the Raynes were often tied to the land or local industries that supported the growing economy of southern England. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic traditions, potentially originating as a descriptive term for someone who lived near a specific boundary or a particular type of terrain. As the family settled into the social fabric of the region, they contributed to the local community life that defined the era. By the mid-1600s, the presence of the Rayne name in official documents suggests that the family was well-integrated into the local parish systems, which served as the primary way for people to record births, marriages, and deaths during this period of British history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Chequy ar. and gu. a canton erm”
Scotlandc. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Rayne arms are recorded
The Rayne 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 Britain when the Rayne 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 Rayne Family in Scotland
The family name Rayne has deep roots in the historical landscape of Scotland, where it is often associated with the geography of the Aberdeenshire region. While the name is linked to a parish in that area, members of the family established a significant presence in the capital city of Edinburgh by the mid-eighteenth century. Records from 1748 confirm that individuals bearing this name were active participants in the urban life of the city during a time of great social and economic change. As the family moved into Edinburgh, they integrated into the professional and civic circles of a growing metropolis. This transition from rural origins to the heart of Scottish administration highlights the adaptability of the family as they navigated the shifting tides of eighteenth-century society. By settling in Edinburgh, these early ancestors helped establish a lasting legacy for the name within one of Scotland’s most important historical centers.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Regina
Latin word meaning queen or royal ruler.
This name
RayneDerived from a topographic name for someone living near a boundary or a stream.
also spelled
Rayney
Rayne
Rainey de Wrotham
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1641
Kent History and Library Centre, Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury: Wills and Administrations, 1641
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Everitt, Alan, The Community of Kent and the Great Rebellion, 1640-60, 1966
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
vol / wingsSwiftness and protection
vol / wingsSwiftness and protection
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
