Map of France showing where the Upton arms are recorded
The Upton arms were recorded in France, c. 1766.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 Upton 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 France.
Origin & History of the Upton Family in France
The history of the Upton name in France is deeply tied to the coastal region of Bretagne, where records confirm family members were established by 1766. While the name is often associated with English origins, its presence in northwestern France suggests a history of migration and integration across the English Channel. Families in this part of France during the eighteenth century often lived in small, tight-knit maritime communities that relied on trade and local agriculture. By the mid-1700s, the Uptons in Bretagne were likely integrated into the local social fabric, navigating the complex political and economic shifts of the French provinces. Their presence in this specific region highlights how families moved between neighboring countries to seek new opportunities or maintain connections during a time of significant European transition.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
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
Map of England showing where the Upton arms are recorded
The Upton arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1226.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat 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 England in this period.
Henry III of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry III of England
1216–1272
Reigning in France when the Upton 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Upton Family in England
The surname Upton is a locational name that originated in England during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English words "up" and "tun," which together translate to an upper farm or a settlement located on higher ground. Because many small villages across the English countryside fit this description, the name likely emerged independently in several different regions. One of the earliest documented appearances of the family occurs in the county of Devon in 1226. During this period, families often adopted the name of the village where they lived or held land to distinguish themselves from others in the community. As these early members of the Upton family moved or expanded their holdings, they carried the name with them, helping it spread from its rural roots into a recognized hereditary surname.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
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)
“Sa. a cross moline ar”
LouthClyde Court · Louth, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Upton arms are recorded
The Upton arms were recorded in Louth, c. 1645.
Louth is the smallest Irish county but sat on the road north from Dublin. Norman families took it early, held it under arms, and stayed, which is what put their shields 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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in France when the Upton 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 Louth.
Origin & History of the Upton Family in Ireland
The family name Upton arrived in Ireland during a period of significant political and social upheaval. By 1645, records confirm that members of the family were established in County Louth, a region that served as a vital gateway between Dublin and the north. During the seventeenth century, the name was primarily associated with English settlers who moved to Ireland to manage land or serve in administrative roles. These early Uptons integrated into the local landscape by participating in the agricultural and civic life of the Pale. As they settled into their new environment, they became part of the complex social fabric of the era, navigating the shifting loyalties and land ownership patterns that defined mid-seventeenth-century Ireland. Their presence in Louth highlights the broader movement of families who relocated across the Irish Sea to build new lives during a time of intense historical transition.
Upton Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Upp-tun
Old English elements meaning upper or higher and a settlement or enclosure.
This name
UptonRefers to a person who lived in a village situated on higher ground.
also spelled
Uptoun
Uptun
Related arms
Castelockrecorded with Upton, same area
Castlelockrecorded with Upton, same area
Chaffinrecorded with Upton, same area
Greenstreetrecorded with Upton, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Finistère, État civil et registres paroissiaux
Gallouédec, Louis, La Bretagne, 1917
Le Moyne de La Borderie, Arthur, Histoire de Bretagne, 1896
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cross symbolChristian faith and service
