Map of England showing where the Salmond arms are recorded
The Salmond arms were recorded in Cumberland, c. 1620.
Cumberland was rough border country in the north-west, facing Scotland across a disputed line. Its families held land in return for keeping it defended, and men who fought carried shields of their own.
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 England when the Salmond 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 Cumberland.
Origin & History of the Salmond Family in England
The surname Salmond traces its roots to the northern regions of England, where the family established a notable presence in Cumberland by the early 17th century. During this period, the name was often associated with families living near the borderlands between England and Scotland. These early settlers were likely involved in local agriculture or trade, as was common for families residing in the rural parishes of the Lake District. Over time, the name evolved through various spellings in parish registers, reflecting the way local clerks recorded names based on how they sounded in the regional dialect. By the 1620s, the Salmond family had become well-integrated into the local community, contributing to the social and economic life of the Cumberland region as it transitioned through a time of significant political change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Salomon
Derived from the Hebrew name Shelomoh meaning peace.
This name
SalmondA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person named Solomon.
also spelled
Salmon
Samond
Related arms
Salmonvariant spelling
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
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
