Map of England showing where the Bunner arms are recorded
The Bunner arms were recorded in Oxfordshire, c. 1574.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Bunner 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 Oxfordshire.
Origin & History of the Bunner Family in England
The surname Bunner has deep roots in the English county of Oxfordshire, where records confirm family members were living as early as 1574. The name likely originated as a descriptive occupational or personal nickname during the Middle Ages. In many cases, names like this were derived from the Old French word boner, which meant gentle or courteous. It is possible that early ancestors were known for their polite manners or kind nature within their local community. As the family established itself in the rural landscape of Oxfordshire, they became part of the local social fabric during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Over time, the spelling of the name stabilized as families moved through different parishes and recorded their births, marriages, and deaths in official church registers. This transition from a spoken nickname to a permanent family name reflects the way many English surnames were formed and preserved across generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bon
Old French term meaning good or virtuous.
This name
BunnerAn occupational name for a maker or seller of good quality bread.
also spelled
Bonar
Bonnor
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Oxfordshire Archives, Diocese of Oxford, Bishop’s Transcripts of Parish Registers
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
