Map of Scotland showing where the Smellie arms are recorded
The Smellie arms were recorded in London, c. 1744.
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 Smellie 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 Smellie Family in Scotland
The surname Smellie is believed to have originated in the Lowlands of Scotland, where it likely functioned as a descriptive nickname for a person with a sharp or sagacious temperament. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh, a city that served as a major intellectual hub during the Scottish Enlightenment. Records from 1744 confirm that members of the family were active within the capital, where they participated in the vibrant professional and academic life of the era. Many early individuals bearing this name were recognized for their contributions to printing, medicine, and natural history, reflecting the family's deep integration into the cultural advancements of the time. Through their work in these fields, the Smellie family helped shape the scholarly reputation of Edinburgh during one of its most influential periods.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Smyl
A Middle English term referring to a person with a pleasant smile.
This name
SmellieA descriptive nickname for an individual with a cheerful or smiling disposition.
also spelled
Smelly
Smely
Related arms
Brownerecorded with Smellie, same area
Grahamrecorded with Smellie, same area
Handysiderecorded with Smellie, same area
Lidderdalerecorded with Smellie, same area
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 Burgh Register of Apprentices. 1744
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
