A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bugg family of England.
Reg. 2475 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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, on a fesse sa. three water bougets ar”
NorthamptonshireNorthamptonshire, c. 1620
Where the Bugg Arms Were Recorded
Northamptonshire
Map of England showing where the Bugg arms are recorded
The Bugg arms were recorded in Northamptonshire, c. 1620.
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 Bugg 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 Northamptonshire.
Origin & History of the Bugg Family in England
The surname Bugg is an ancient English name that likely originated as a descriptive nickname. In Middle English, the word "bugge" referred to a frightening spirit or a scarecrow, and it was often used to describe someone who was considered formidable or imposing in appearance. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Northamptonshire. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Bugg family were living and working in this region during the reign of King James I. At that time, many families in rural Northamptonshire were deeply involved in agriculture and the local wool trade. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the development of their parishes through their roles as farmers, tradespeople, and community members.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bugge
Old English term for a hobgoblin, sprite, or terrifying phantom.
This name
BuggA nickname for a person considered frightening, imposing, or resembling a mischievous spirit.
also spelled
Buge
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
