Map of Scotland showing where the Souter arms are recorded
The Souter 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 Souter 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 Souter Family in Scotland
The surname Souter is an occupational name that originated in the Middle Ages to describe a person who worked as a shoemaker or a cobbler. Derived from the Middle English word *soutere*, the name highlights the importance of skilled leatherwork in early Scottish society. By the year 1748, records confirm that members of the Souter family were well-established residents of Edinburgh. During this period, the city was a bustling hub of commerce where craftsmen and tradespeople played a vital role in the local economy. Families with this name were often part of the growing urban middle class, contributing to the development of the city as it transitioned into the Scottish Enlightenment. The presence of the family in Edinburgh suggests they were integrated into the professional life of the capital, likely working within the various trade guilds that governed city life at the time.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Sutor
Latin term for a person who stitches or sews.
This name
SouterAn occupational surname for a shoemaker or cobbler in medieval Scotland.
also spelled
Sowter
Soutar
Sowtar
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 Register of Testaments. 1748
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
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
