Map of Finland showing where the Steven arms are recorded
The Steven arms were recorded in Finland, c. 1840.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Uusimaa.
Uusimaa was the Finnish coast facing Sweden, and the part of the country most closely tied to Stockholm. Its landowners and officers served the Swedish crown, and that service is what put their arms on record.
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 Finland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Finland
Nobility in Finland held the exclusive right to register their coats of arms with the House of Nobility. These symbols were tied to the family name and were inherited by all members of the noble house. If a family branch moved or changed status, they kept their original design to maintain their identity within the official records.
Granting authority
The Finnish House of Nobility served as the official body that managed and protected all noble coats of arms.
How they got arms
Families received their arms through formal letters of nobility or by having their existing ancestral symbols confirmed by the House.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms were officially recorded in the Finnish House of Nobility Armorial starting in 1818.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Finland.
Origin & History of the Steven Family in Finland
The family name Steven has roots that trace back to the coastal regions of southern Finland, specifically within the province of Uusimaa. By the year 1840, records confirm that members of the family were already established in this area, which was a hub for trade and cultural exchange between Finland and its neighbors. The name itself is a variation of the Greek name Stephanos, meaning crown or garland, which spread across Europe through religious traditions and eventually reached the Nordic countries. In the context of nineteenth-century Finland, families often adopted or solidified surnames as they moved from rural farming communities into growing towns. Because Uusimaa served as a gateway for international influence, the presence of the Steven name suggests a family history connected to the shifting social landscape of the era. These early ancestors lived during a time of significant change, as Finland transitioned through various political shifts while maintaining its unique local customs and community structures.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
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 in base couped gu. as many mullets of the field”
Scotlandc. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Steven arms are recorded
The Steven 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 Finland when the Steven 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 Steven Family in Scotland
The name Steven finds its roots in the ancient Greek name Stephanos, which means crown or garland. Over many centuries, this name spread across Europe and eventually became popular in Scotland as a given name. By the eighteenth century, it began to transition into a hereditary surname. Records confirm that members of the Steven family were well established in Edinburgh by 1748. During this period, Edinburgh was a bustling center of trade and intellectual growth known as the Scottish Enlightenment. Families like the Stevens often held roles as merchants, skilled tradespeople, or professionals who helped shape the city’s expanding economy. As the family grew, they became part of the urban fabric of Scotland’s capital, contributing to the daily life and social development of the city during a time of great historical change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Stephanos
Greek word meaning crown or garland.
This name
StevenA name signifying one who is crowned with victory or honor.
also spelled
Stevan
Steffen
Stephen
Stevin
Stevyn
Related arms
Stephensimilar arms
Steffenvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
National Archives of Finland, Kirkonarkistojen kokoelma (Church Archive Collection)
National Archives of Finland, Henkikirjat (Census Records for the Uusimaa Province)
Mikkonen, Pirjo and Paikkala, Sirkka, Sukunimet (1992)
Vilkuna, Kustaa, Etunimet (2007)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
handFaith, sincerity and justice
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
