A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Begg family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2376 · Scottish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Lozengy or and az. on a chev. ar. three torteaux”
Scotlandc. 1748
Where the Begg Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Begg arms are recorded
The Begg 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 Scotland when the Begg 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 Begg Family in Scotland
The surname Begg is deeply rooted in the history of Scotland, originating as a descriptive nickname derived from the Gaelic word "beag," which means small or little. In the context of medieval Scottish society, such names were often used to distinguish individuals based on physical stature or to identify a younger member of a family. By the mid-eighteenth century, the name was firmly established in the urban landscape of Edinburgh, where records confirm the presence of the Begg family as early as 1748. During this era, Edinburgh was a rapidly changing city defined by its transition from a crowded medieval capital to a center of intellectual and economic growth. Families like the Beggs were part of this evolving social fabric, living through a time when Scotland was moving toward the modern age while still holding onto its ancient linguistic and cultural traditions.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Purple (Purpure)Means: Royal majesty
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, a cross formée betw. three crescents purpure”
DublinDublin, c. 1635
Where the Begg Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Begg arms are recorded
The Begg arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1635.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Scotland when the Begg 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 Begg Family in Ireland
The surname Begg has deep roots in Ireland, particularly within the urban landscape of Dublin. The name is derived from the Gaelic word "beag," which translates to small or little. It likely began as a descriptive nickname for a person of short stature before evolving into a hereditary family name. By 1635, records confirm that members of the Begg family were already established residents of Dublin. During this period, the city was a bustling center of trade and administration, and families like the Beggs were often involved in the civic and commercial life of the capital. As the seventeenth century progressed, the family became integrated into the social fabric of the region, leaving traces in legal documents and property records that reflect their long-standing presence in the area.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
beag
A Gaelic adjective meaning small or little.
This name
BeggA descriptive nickname originally used to distinguish a person of small stature.
also spelled
Bege
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
National Records of Scotland, Old Parish Registers of Edinburgh, 1748
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
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
