Map of England showing where the Turnbull arms are recorded
The Turnbull arms were recorded in England, c. 1563.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Turnbull 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 Turnbull Family in England
The Turnbull family name is rooted in the border regions between England and Scotland, where it emerged as a descriptive surname during the Middle Ages. The name likely originated from a legendary feat of strength or bravery, as it was often associated with individuals who were physically imposing or capable of turning a bull. By the time the family established a documented presence in York in 1563, they had already transitioned from their origins as border clansmen into established members of English society. During this era, families often moved south toward major urban centers like York to seek new opportunities in trade and local government. This migration helped the Turnbull name spread across northern England, moving away from its rugged frontier beginnings to become a recognized part of the regional population.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
bullValour and generosity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. three bulls' heads erased sa. armed vert, within a bordure indented of the second”
ForfarStracathrow · Forfar, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Turnbull arms are recorded
The Turnbull arms were recorded in Forfar, c. 1748.
Forfar, now called Angus, was farming country on Scotland's east coast between the hills and the sea. Its landed families were long-settled, and long settlement is exactly what fills a register 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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Turnbull 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 Forfar.
Origin & History of the Turnbull Family in Scotland
The Turnbull surname is deeply rooted in the Scottish Borders, where it emerged as a descriptive name during the medieval period. According to popular tradition, the name originated when a brave warrior saved King Robert the Bruce from a charging bull by grabbing the animal by its horns and turning it aside. While this story remains a piece of folklore, the family established itself as a prominent Border clan known for their strength and resilience. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had expanded their reach well beyond the southern borderlands. Records from 1748 confirm that members of the Turnbull family were well-established in the town of Forfar, located in the county of Angus. During this era, families often moved northward for better agricultural opportunities or to participate in the growing trade networks of the Scottish Lowlands. This transition from the rugged border country to the fertile lands of Forfar highlights the adaptability of the family as they integrated into new communities across Scotland.
Turnbull Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Turn-bull
To turn or divert a bull.
This name
TurnbullAn occupational name for a brave person who could turn a charging bull.
also spelled
Turnebull
Turnebul
Related arms
Campbellrecorded with Turnbull, same area
Elliotrecorded with Turnbull, same area
Kynynmoundrecorded with Turnbull, same area
Stewartrecorded with Turnbull, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
Bardsley, Charles Wareing Endell. A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames. 1901
The National Archives (UK). Probate Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, PROB 11
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
bullValour and generosity
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bullValour and generosity
bordureA difference between branches of one family
