Map of Scotland showing where the Riddoch arms are recorded
The Riddoch 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 Scotland when the Riddoch 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 Riddoch Family in Scotland
The surname Riddoch is rooted in the Gaelic language and is traditionally linked to the ancient regions of northern Scotland. The name is derived from the Gaelic term *ruadh-ach*, which translates to red field or red land. This suggests that the earliest families to carry the name likely lived on or managed land characterized by reddish soil or iron-rich earth. By the middle of the eighteenth century, members of the Riddoch family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh. During this period, the city was undergoing a major transformation as it expanded beyond its medieval walls. These early residents were part of a growing class of urban citizens who contributed to the professional and commercial life of the Scottish capital. Their move from the rural Highlands to the bustling center of Edinburgh reflects the broader social shifts occurring in Scotland as the country modernized during the 1700s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Mac Gille Dhuibh
Son of the black-haired servant or devotee
This name
RiddochA Scottish topographic or patronymic surname derived from Gaelic indicating a dark-haired descendant or follower.
also spelled
Riddick
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
National Records of Scotland. Edinburgh Register of Testaments. 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
