A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Turner family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 1291 · English, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
What the shield shows
A background patterned throughout in silver and red bell shapes, with a gold stripe down the middle carrying three green clover leaves on their stalks.
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Vairé ar. and gu. on a pale or, three trefoils slipped vert”
SurreySurrey, c. 1604
Where the Turner Arms Were Recorded
Surrey
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. It was given to people who worked as turners, which were skilled craftspeople who used a lathe to shape wood, metal, or bone. These workers created essential household items like bowls, chair legs, and tool handles. Because this trade was common in every village and town, the name appeared independently in many different regions across the country.
By the year 1460, records show that families bearing the Turner name were well-established in the city of York. At that time, York was a major center for trade and craftsmanship in Northern England. Members of the Turner family in this area likely belonged to the local guilds, which were organizations that protected the interests of specific trades. Being part of a guild allowed these early Turners to maintain high standards for their work and secure their place within the city’s economy. Over time, the name became one of the most common surnames in England due to the high demand for lathe-worked goods in daily life.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
leopardA valiant warrior who braves danger
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
What the shield shows
A gold background with a blue cross, its centre cut away, carrying a red leopard's face and four gold millrinds.
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
Where the Turner Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
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 of occupational origin, traditionally denoting a person who worked with a lathe to shape wood, metal, or bone. While the name is deeply rooted in English history, its presence in Ireland dates back nearly a millennium. Historical records indicate that individuals bearing the name were established in Dublin as early as 1036. During this period, Dublin was a vibrant Norse-Gaelic trading hub, and the presence of the Turner family suggests they were likely part of the growing class of skilled craftsmen and merchants who supported the city’s expanding economy.
Following the arrival of Anglo-Norman forces in the 12th century, the name became more widespread across the island. Many families with this name settled in urban centers, where their specialized skills in turning and woodworking remained in high demand for construction and furniture making. Over the centuries, the name integrated into the local social fabric, moving beyond the major ports to take root in various rural counties. By the time of the later plantations and land settlements, the name was firmly established as a part of the diverse demographic landscape of Ireland.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
What the shield shows
The shield is divided into four. The first and fourth are black with a silver spoked wheel. The second and third are silver with three red drops.
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
Where the Turner Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
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 originated in the Middle Ages. It refers to a person who worked on a lathe to shape wood, metal, or bone. In the context of early Scotland, the name was often associated with skilled craftsmen who produced furniture, spindles, or architectural details. Because this trade was essential in growing towns, the name appeared in various regions as families moved to find work in developing urban centers.
By 1672, the Turner family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh. During this period, Edinburgh was a hub of trade and legal activity, making it a common destination for families seeking to improve their social and economic standing. The presence of the name in official records from this year suggests that these individuals were likely integrated into the city’s merchant or craft guilds. This allowed them to participate in the civic life of the capital and secure a stable place within the expanding Scottish economy of the late seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
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, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Freemen’s Register (1272–1759)
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
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
leopardA valiant warrior who braves danger
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
