Map of Scotland showing where the Sievewright arms are recorded
The Sievewright arms were recorded in Edinburgh, c. 1874.
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.
Victoria
Sovereign of the period
Victoria
1837–1901
Reigning in Scotland when the Sievewright 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 Edinburgh.
Origin & History of the Sievewright Family in Scotland
The surname Sievewright is a descriptive occupational name that originated in Scotland. It refers to a "sieve-wright," which was a skilled craftsman who built wooden sieves or sifters used for separating grain and other agricultural products. By the mid-19th century, the family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh, a city that served as a major hub for trade and craftsmanship during the Victorian era. In 1874, members of the Sievewright family were active participants in the urban life of Scotland's capital, contributing to the local economy and the social fabric of the city. As the Industrial Revolution changed how goods were manufactured, families with traditional trade names often transitioned into new professions, yet they maintained the identity linked to their ancestral craft. This history reflects the broader movement of Scottish families from rural artisan roles into the growing professional and industrial sectors of major cities like Edinburgh.
Sievewright Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Sieve
A utensil used for sifting or straining materials.
This name
SievewrightAn occupational surname for a maker or seller of sieves or bolting cloths.
also spelled
Syvright
Sivwright
Syvwright
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, Statutory Registers of Births, Deaths and Marriages, 1874
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
axeThe execution of military duty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
axeThe execution of military duty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
