Map of Scotland showing where the Sloan arms are recorded
The Sloan 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 Sloan 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 Sloan Family in Scotland
The family name Sloan is rooted in the Gaelic language, originating from the term *sluaghadh*, which translates to a military expedition or a gathering of people. Historically, the name is associated with the region of Galloway in southwestern Scotland, where families bearing this name were well-established long before they migrated toward larger urban centers. By the year 1748, records confirm that members of the Sloan family were active residents of Edinburgh. During this period, Edinburgh was a hub of intellectual and economic growth known as the Scottish Enlightenment. As the family settled into the city, they likely participated in the vibrant trade and professional life that defined the capital during the eighteenth century. This transition from the rural landscapes of the southwest to the bustling streets of Edinburgh reflects the broader movement of Scottish families seeking new opportunities during a time of significant social change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Sluaghadh
Gaelic term referring to a military expedition or a raiding party.
This name
SloanDerived from a nickname for a warrior or a member of a raiding group.
also spelled
Slone
Slowan
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 Burgess and Guild Register 1458–1841
Reaney, Percy Hide and Wilson, Richard Middlewood. A Dictionary of English Surnames. 1991
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