A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Thomsen family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 9258 · French, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé d'arg. sur sa.; à la fasce brét. et c.-brét. de l'un en l'autre, acc. de trois faucons de l'un à l'autre, longés et grilletés d'or, et une ancre d'azur en chef; et à la bord. engr. de l'un en l'autre. C.: un bras, arm. au nat., iss. d'une couronne navale d'or et tenant une lance de tournoi en pal. T.: à dextre une aigle au nat., coll. d'une couronne navale d'or; à sen. un marin, tenant une banderole d'arg., flottant à dextre, ch. d'une croix de gu., inscrite du mot NILE en lettres d'or. D.: NON QUO SED QUOMODO.”
HertfordshireHertfordshire, c. 1725
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Map of France showing where the Thomsen arms are recorded
The Thomsen arms were recorded in Hertfordshire, c. 1725.
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 France in this period.
Louis XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Thomsen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Hertfordshire.
Origin & History of the Thomsen Family in France
The name Thomsen is a patronymic surname, meaning it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of Thomas. While the name is deeply rooted in Scandinavian and Germanic traditions, its presence in France was primarily shaped by the movement of Huguenot refugees and merchant families fleeing religious or economic instability. By the time members of the family were documented in Hertfordshire in 1725, they were part of a broader wave of migration that saw families with similar northern European origins settling in England after passing through or residing in French territories. These early ancestors often worked as skilled tradespeople or merchants, utilizing the extensive trade networks that connected the ports of northern France with the growing commercial hubs of southern England. This migration pattern suggests that the Thomsen family was highly mobile, adapting their professional skills to fit the needs of the changing economies in both France and Britain during the eighteenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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. a buck's head cabossed gu. on a chief az. three mullets of the first”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Thomsen arms are recorded
The Thomsen arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them 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 France when the Thomsen 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 England.
Origin & History of the Thomsen Family in England
The surname Thomsen is a patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of Thomas. While the name has deep roots in Scandinavian cultures, its presence in England by the early 17th century reflects the movement of people across the North Sea. By 1620, families bearing this name were established in the historic city of York. During this period, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and religious life, attracting settlers who brought their distinct naming traditions with them. These early residents likely worked as merchants or skilled tradespeople, integrating into the local community while maintaining the linguistic heritage of their ancestors. Over time, the name became a permanent fixture in the region, evolving alongside the social and economic changes of Northern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Toma
Aramaic word meaning twin.
This name
ThomsenPatronymic surname meaning son of Thomas, derived from the biblical apostle.
also spelled
Tompson
Thomson
Thomsen
Thompson
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Cunningham, W., Alien Immigrants to England, 1897
Gwynn, Robin D., The Huguenots of London, 1998
The National Archives, Naturalization and Denization Records, series HO 1
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
