Map of Scotland showing where the Ritchey arms are recorded
The Ritchey arms were recorded in Craigtown, c. 1758.
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 Ritchey 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 Ritchey Family in Scotland
The surname Ritchey is a variant of the name Ritchie, which originated as a diminutive form of the name Richard. In Scotland, this name became common in the Lowlands and the border regions, where it was often associated with families who lived in close-knit communities. By the mid-eighteenth century, the name was well-established in urban centers like Edinburgh. Records from 1758 confirm that members of the Ritchey family were active participants in the social and economic life of the city during this period. At that time, Edinburgh was a hub of the Scottish Enlightenment, and families like the Ritcheys were part of a growing middle class that contributed to the city's development. These early ancestors likely worked in the trades or professional services that supported the expanding infrastructure of Scotland’s capital. Their presence in the city archives highlights how the name transitioned from its rural roots to become a permanent part of the historical record in one of Scotland’s most significant cities.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
Colours
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)
“Gu. on a chev. betw. three annulets or, as many annulets of the field”
Englandc. 1620
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 England showing where the Ritchey arms are recorded
The Ritchey arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Scotland when the Ritchey 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 England.
Origin & History of the Ritchey Family in England
The surname Ritchey is a variation of the name Richard, which became popular in England after the Norman Conquest. By the early 17th century, the name had established a firm presence in the northern city of York. Records from 1620 show that families carrying this name were integrated into the local community during a time of significant social and economic change. In this era, surnames were often adapted based on how a person spoke or how a clerk recorded the name, which explains why variations like Ritchey, Ritchie, and Richey began to emerge. These early families in York lived through a period where the city served as a major hub for trade and administration, placing them at the center of northern English life. Over time, the name evolved from a simple nickname into a formal family identifier that was passed down through generations.
Ritchey Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Richard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning brave or strong ruler.
This name
RitcheyA diminutive form of the name Richard, signifying a brave or powerful leader.
also spelled
Richey
Ritchy
Rychie
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
National Records of Scotland, Old Parish Registers, Edinburgh, 1758
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
