Map of England showing where the Thomason arms are recorded
The Thomason arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families carried 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 Thomason 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Thomason Family in England
The surname Thomason is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of Thomas. In the early seventeenth century, the name was well-established in the historic city of Chester, England. Records from 1620 show that families bearing this name were active participants in the local community during a time of significant social and economic transition. Because Chester served as a major hub for trade and regional administration, the Thomason family likely benefited from the city's status as a gateway to North Wales and the Irish Sea. Over time, the name evolved from a simple description of parentage into a permanent family identifier that was passed down through generations. These early residents of Chester helped define the presence of the name in the region, establishing deep roots that would eventually spread far beyond the city walls.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Thomas
Derived from the Aramaic word for twin.
This name
ThomasonPatronymic surname meaning son of the twin.
also spelled
Thomson
Related arms
Thompsonsimilar arms
Thomsonvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Beckett, J. V., A History of the County of Chester, 1979
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Chester City Parish Registers, 1620
Hey, David, Family Names and Family History, 2000
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
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
