Map of France showing where the Bigos arms are recorded
The Bigos arms were recorded in Gascogne, c. 1725.
Gascogne was south-western country of small estates and stubborn independence, long fought over by France and England. Its gentry were numerous and poor, and even a small holding was enough for a shield of one's own.
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 Bigos 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 Gascogne.
Origin & History of the Bigos Family in France
The family name Bigos traces its documented roots to the Gascogne region of southwestern France by the early 18th century. In 1725, records confirm that members of the family were established within this historic province, a land known for its rolling hills and strong agricultural traditions. The name itself likely originated as a descriptive term or a local nickname, which was a common practice for identifying families in rural French communities during that era. Life for the Bigos family in Gascogne would have centered around the rhythms of the countryside, where they likely participated in the local economy of viticulture and farming that defined the region. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the area, maintaining their presence in the local parishes and villages for generations. This deep connection to the land and the specific cultural identity of Gascogne provided the foundation for the family history that continues to be studied today.
Bigos Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Biga
A two-horse chariot used in ancient Rome.
This name
BigosA topographic or occupational name referring to a chariot driver or someone living near a chariot station.
also spelled
Bygos
Bigoss
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales des Landes, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil de la commune de Gascogne, 1725
Boudet, Marcel, Histoire de la Gascogne et de ses familles, 1922
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France, 1951
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
