Map of England showing where the Turner arms are recorded
The Turner arms were recorded in Surrey, c. 1604.
Surrey sat just south of London and filled up with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate there was the usual next step, and an estate was the usual reason to take 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 Turner 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 Surrey.
Origin & History of the Turner Family in England
PronunciationTUR-ner/ˈtɜːnər/
The surname Turner is an occupational name that emerged in England during the Middle Ages to describe a person who worked with a lathe. These craftsmen were skilled at shaping wood, metal, or bone into functional objects like chair legs, bowls, and spindles. Because this trade was essential to daily life in both rural villages and growing towns, the name appeared independently in many different regions across the country. By the early 17th century, the family had established a firm presence in Surrey, as evidenced by local parish records from 1604. These early Turners were likely integrated into the local economy as tradespeople who provided necessary goods to their neighbors. Over time, the name became one of the most common surnames in England because the profession of turning was practiced by families in nearly every county.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
millrind / fer de molineThe mill's iron, and the grinding of grain
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Or, on a cross quarter-pierced az. a leopard's face gu. betw. four fers-de-moline of the first”
DublinDublin, c. 1618
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Map of Ireland showing where the Turner arms are recorded
The Turner arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1618.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there 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 Ireland in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Turner arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Turner Family in Ireland
PronunciationTUR-ner/ˈtɜːnər/
The surname Turner is primarily occupational in origin, referring to a skilled craftsman who shaped wood or metal on a lathe. While the name has deep roots in England, it became established in Ireland during the period of early modern migration and plantation. By 1618, records confirm that members of the Turner family were already settled in Dublin, likely drawn to the city by its role as a growing center of trade and administration. These early settlers often integrated into the urban economy as merchants or tradesmen, taking advantage of the city's expanding commercial networks. Over the following decades, the family name spread from the capital into other parts of the country, reflecting the broader movement of people and the professionalization of crafts across the island during the seventeenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, sa. a catharine wheel ar.; 2nd and 3rd, ar. three guttées de sang”
Scotlandc. 1672
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Map of Scotland showing where the Turner arms are recorded
The Turner arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1672.
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.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in England when the Turner 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 Turner Family in Scotland
PronunciationTUR-ner/ˈtɜːnər/
The surname Turner is an occupational name that originally described someone who worked with a lathe to shape wood, metal, or bone. While the name became common across Britain, its presence in Scotland is deeply rooted in the urban growth of the seventeenth century. By 1672, records confirm that members of the Turner family were well-established residents of Edinburgh. During this period, the city was a bustling center of trade and craftsmanship, and individuals bearing this name were often involved in the skilled guilds that defined the local economy. As the family integrated into the social fabric of the capital, they contributed to the professional life of the city, moving from their origins as specialized artisans to becoming active participants in the administrative and commercial evolution of Scotland.
Turner Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
tornare
A Latin verb meaning to turn on a lathe.
This name
TurnerAn occupational name for a person who worked with a lathe to shape wood or metal.
also spelled
Turnere
Turnerr
Turnar
Turnour
Tourner
Related arms
Oliversame arms
Tornersame arms
del Puechsimilar arms
Thurnervariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Surrey History Centre, Parish Registers for the County of Surrey, 1604
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
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
millrind / fer de molineThe mill's iron, and the grinding of grain
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
