Map of England showing where the Southcott arms are recorded
The Southcott arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of arms.
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 Southcott 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Southcott Family in England
The surname Southcott is a classic example of a locative name, meaning it was originally derived from a specific place rather than a person’s trade or physical traits. The name translates literally to "south cottage," suggesting that the earliest members of the family were identified by their residence in a small dwelling located on the southern side of a settlement or estate. By the early 17th century, the family had established a strong presence in the county of Devon, England. Records from 1620 confirm that they were deeply rooted in this region, where they lived as landed gentry and local landowners. Over time, the family spread across the English countryside, but their historical identity remains firmly tied to the rural landscape and the distinct geography of the West Country.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
South + Cot
Southern direction and a small cottage or shelter.
This name
SouthcottA person who lived in a small cottage located to the south of a settlement.
also spelled
Suthcott
Sowthcott
Suthcote
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, 1958
Hoskins, W.G., Devon, 1954
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1384–1858
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
duckResourcefulness on land and water
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
duckResourcefulness on land and water
