Map of Scotland showing where the Bough arms are recorded
The Bough 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 Bough 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 Bough Family in Scotland
The surname Bough is rooted in the landscape and linguistic traditions of the Scottish Lowlands, where it first appeared in historical records during the mid-eighteenth century. By 1748, members of the Bough family were firmly established in Edinburgh, a city that served as a vibrant center for trade, law, and intellectual growth during the Scottish Enlightenment. The name itself likely originated as a topographic descriptor, referring to individuals who lived near a prominent tree or a wooded area. In the bustling streets of eighteenth-century Edinburgh, families like the Boughs contributed to the local economy and social fabric as the city expanded beyond its ancient medieval walls. While the name remains relatively rare, its presence in the capital city during this era highlights the family's integration into the urban development of Scotland at a time of significant cultural change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bough
Derived from the Middle English word for a tree branch or limb.
This name
BoughA topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent tree or branch.
also spelled
Boag
Boage
Bough
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
National Records of Scotland, Old Parish Registers, Births and Baptisms (1748)
National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh Testaments, Records of the Commissary Court of Edinburgh
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
cinquefoilHope and joy
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
