A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bunn family of England.
Reg. 1041 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. on three grieces sa. gu. and az. a cross calvary of the third, in chief two crescents gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Bunn Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bunn arms are recorded
The Bunn arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 Bunn 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 England.
Origin & History of the Bunn Family in England
The surname Bunn has deep roots in England, with historical evidence placing members of the family in the city of York as early as 1620. The name is generally categorized as a topographical or occupational surname, likely originating from the Middle English word bunne, which referred to a type of sweet bread or cake. It is possible that the original bearers of the name were bakers or individuals who sold these popular goods in local markets. As families began to settle in specific regions like Yorkshire, the name became a permanent identifier passed down through generations. By the seventeenth century, the Bunn family was well-established in the social fabric of northern England, participating in the daily trade and community life of historic urban centers.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bun
An Old French term referring to a small cake or bread roll.
This name
BunnA nickname for a baker or a person who sold sweet bread rolls.
also spelled
Bune
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
