Map of England showing where the Bagg arms are recorded
The Bagg arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1607.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Bagg 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 Bagg Family in England
The surname Bagg is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive nickname, likely referring to a person who carried a bag or a pack, such as a peddler or a traveler. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Devon, particularly around the town of Plymouth. Records from 1607 confirm that members of the Bagg family were active in local affairs during this period, often serving in positions of civic importance. As the family grew, they became deeply integrated into the maritime and commercial life of the region. Their history reflects the broader patterns of English families who rose from local prominence to play significant roles in the development of coastal towns during the Stuart era.
Bagg Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bagge
Old Norse term for a pack, bundle, or knapsack.
This name
BaggAn occupational name for a maker or seller of bags or packs.
also spelled
Bage
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I, SP 14/28
Worth, R.N., History of Plymouth, 1890
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
