Map of England showing where the Smart arms are recorded
The Smart arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Smart 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 Smart Family in England
The surname Smart originated in England as a descriptive nickname during the Middle Ages. In Old English, the word "smeart" meant sharp, quick, or active, and it was likely used to describe a person who was clever or swift in their movements. As surnames became more common for tax and legal purposes, this nickname evolved into a permanent family name. By the early 17th century, the Smart family had established a notable presence in London. Records show that members of the family were active in the city by 1620, participating in the growing trade and social life of the capital during the reign of King James I. These early Londoners were part of a period of rapid urban expansion, where families often moved to the city to find new opportunities in commerce and craftsmanship.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a chev. betw. three pheons sa”
ScotlandLondon, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Smart arms are recorded
The Smart arms were recorded in London, 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 England when the Smart 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 Smart Family in Scotland
The surname Smart is rooted in the Old English word *smeart*, which originally described someone who was quick, clever, or sharp in their movements and intellect. By the time the name became established in Scotland, it often served as a descriptive nickname for individuals known for their wit or physical agility. While the family had deep roots in various parts of Britain, historical records confirm a significant presence in Edinburgh by 1748. During this period, the city was a bustling center of the Scottish Enlightenment, and families like the Smarts were often involved in the professional and mercantile growth of the capital. As Edinburgh expanded beyond its ancient walls, these early residents participated in the city’s transition into a modern hub of trade and education. Their presence in the city archives during the mid-eighteenth century suggests they were well-integrated into the social fabric of a changing Scotland.
Smart Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Smeart
Old English word meaning painful, sharp, or stinging.
This name
SmartA nickname for a clever, quick-witted, or sharp-minded individual.
also spelled
Smerte
Related arms
Smertvariant spelling
Brownerecorded with Smart, same area
Grahamrecorded with Smart, same area
Handysiderecorded with Smart, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
The National Archives, London Consistory Court Depositions, 1586–1611, DL/C/218
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
