Map of England showing where the Stephenson arms are recorded
The Stephenson arms were recorded in Berks, c. 1620.
Berkshire sat on the road west from London with the royal castle at Windsor in the middle of it. Court families bought estates within reach, and an estate near the court almost always came with 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 Stephenson 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 Berks.
Origin & History of the Stephenson Family in England
The surname Stephenson is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of Stephen. This name became common across England following the arrival of the Normans, who popularized the name Stephen in honor of Saint Stephen. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Berkshire. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Stephenson family were settled in this region during a time of significant social and economic change in rural England. As the name spread through different parishes, it evolved in spelling based on local dialects and the habits of early record keepers. These families were often involved in local agriculture or trade, which allowed them to become deeply rooted in their communities over several generations. This pattern of settlement reflects how many English surnames transitioned from simple descriptions of lineage into permanent family identities that defined a person's place in their local society.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
savages head affrontyAn enemy overcome
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. on a fess ar. betw. three hawks' heads erased or, a Moor's head sa”
MiddlesexMiddlesex, c. 1812
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Map of Scotland showing where the Stephenson arms are recorded
The Stephenson arms were recorded in Middlesex, c. 1812.
Middlesex was the county around London, and City money flowed straight into it. Merchants and officials bought estates within reach of the capital, and a new estate brought a coat of arms with it.
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 III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1801–1820
Reigning in England when the Stephenson 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 Middlesex.
Origin & History of the Stephenson Family in Scotland
The surname Stephenson is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify someone as the son of Stephen. While the name has deep roots across the British Isles, its presence in Scotland is tied to the movement of families across the border and the gradual adoption of fixed surnames during the Middle Ages. In the Scottish context, the name often appeared in the Lowlands, where families frequently moved between northern England and southern Scotland for trade or agricultural work. By the time members of the family were documented in Middlesex in 1812, the name had already been established for centuries as a common identifier for families of modest means. These early ancestors were typically part of the working class, often employed in farming or early industrial trades, which required them to move frequently to find new opportunities. This pattern of migration was a standard part of life for many families during that era, helping the name spread from its early regional origins to various parts of the growing British Empire.
Stephenson Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Stephanos
Greek word meaning a crown or a garland.
This name
StephensonA patronymic surname meaning son of Stephen, derived from the Greek word for crown.
also spelled
Stevenson
Stephansson
Stephinsen
Related arms
Stevensonvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Berkshire Record Office, Parish Registers of Berkshire, 1620
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
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
savages head affrontyAn enemy overcome
