Map of England showing where the Wiegman arms are recorded
The Wiegman arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1572.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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 Wiegman 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Wiegman Family in England
The surname Wiegman is rooted in the Germanic linguistic tradition, likely derived from the Old High German word "wig," meaning war or battle, combined with "man," identifying the bearer as a warrior or a man of conflict. While the name originated in continental Europe, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in the English county of Essex by 1572. During this period, Essex was a thriving region known for its agriculture and proximity to the growing influence of London. Families with this name likely integrated into the local community as tradespeople or farmers, contributing to the rural economy of the Elizabethan era. The presence of the Wiegman name in these early parish registers suggests that these individuals were part of the steady migration of continental settlers who sought new opportunities in England during the sixteenth century. By settling in Essex, these early ancestors helped weave the name into the local social fabric, where it persisted through generations of English life.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 chev. betw. three stars of eight points wavy or”
Scotlandc. 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Scotland showing where the Wiegman arms are recorded
The Wiegman arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
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.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Wiegman 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 Wiegman Family in Scotland
The Wiegman family name carries a history that reflects the movement of people across Northern Europe and into the British Isles during the eighteenth century. While the name possesses deep roots in Germanic regions, where it likely originated as a descriptive term for a person who weighed goods or served as a local official, its presence in Scotland marks a distinct chapter in the family story. By 1748, records confirm that members of the Wiegman family had established themselves in Edinburgh, a city then undergoing a period of significant intellectual and economic growth known as the Scottish Enlightenment. These early settlers likely arrived as part of the growing trade networks connecting Scottish ports with the Baltic and North Sea regions. Living in the bustling capital, these ancestors would have navigated a society defined by rapid urban development and the transition into a modern industrial age. Their presence in Edinburgh suggests they were part of a small but active community of immigrants who integrated into the local economy, contributing to the diverse social fabric of the city during a time of great historical change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wig
Old Germanic word meaning war or battle.
This name
WiegmanAn occupational surname for a warrior or a man involved in battle.
also spelled
Wysman
Wyseman
Wysmanne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Essex Record Office, Parish Registers of Essex, 1572
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
ermineDignity and rank
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
ermineDignity and rank
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
