Map of Scotland showing where the Telfer arms are recorded
The Telfer 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 Telfer 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 Telfer Family in Scotland
The surname Telfer is believed to have originated in the Scottish Borders, where it was often associated with families known for their resilience and strength. The name is thought to be a descriptive nickname derived from the Old French phrase "taille fer," which translates to "iron cutter." This suggests that early ancestors may have been recognized for their skill as blacksmiths or for their bravery in battle. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh. Records confirm that members of the Telfer family were living and working in the city by 1748, participating in the urban growth and professional life of Scotland’s capital during a time of significant social change.
Telfer Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Taillefer
Old French for iron cutter or iron hewer.
This name
TelferA nickname for a strong or valiant warrior who could cut through iron armor.
also spelled
Telfair
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh Register of Testaments, CC8/8/111
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
