Map of England showing where the Stephen arms are recorded
The Stephen arms were recorded in Gloucester, c. 1591.
Gloucestershire had good farmland, a cloth trade in its valleys and a river carrying goods to Bristol. All three made money, and money bought the estates that brought arms with them.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Stephen 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 Gloucester.
Origin & History of the Stephen Family in England
The name Stephen originates from the Greek name Stephanos, which means crown or garland. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, the name became very popular across England because it was associated with Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. By the late 16th century, the family was well-established in the city of Gloucester. Records from 1591 show that members of the family were active participants in the local community during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. At this time, the name was often used as a given name that eventually transitioned into a hereditary surname as record-keeping became more formal in English parishes. This shift allowed families to maintain a consistent identity across generations as they lived and worked in the growing urban centers of the West Country.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
handFaith, sincerity and justice
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. on a chev. betw. two crescents in chief and a sinister hand couped in base gu. two mullets of the field, all within a bordure engr. of the second”
Scotlandc. 1720
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Scotland showing where the Stephen arms are recorded
The Stephen arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1720.
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 I of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George I of Great Britain
1714–1727
Reigning in England when the Stephen 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 Stephen Family in Scotland
The name Stephen is derived from the Greek word stephanos, which means a crown or a garland. While the name has roots in ancient history, it became popular across Europe due to the influence of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. By the time the family was firmly established in Edinburgh in 1720, the name had evolved from a personal given name into a hereditary surname. In Scotland, families often adopted surnames based on the first names of their ancestors during the Middle Ages. As the family settled in the capital city, they likely participated in the growing trade and professional life of the Scottish Enlightenment. The presence of the family in Edinburgh during the early eighteenth century suggests they were part of the urban expansion that defined the city as a center for commerce and education during that era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Stephanos
Greek word meaning crown or garland.
This name
StephenA name signifying one who is crowned with victory or honor.
also spelled
Stephan
Stephin
Related arms
Stevensimilar arms
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Gloucestershire Archives, Gloucester City Records: Records of the Corporation of Gloucester, GBR/B/2/1
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
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
handFaith, sincerity and justice
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
