A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bunney family of England.
Reg. 2234 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. a chev. betw. three goats' heads erased sa”
DurhamDurham, c. 1620
Where the Bunney Arms Were Recorded
Durham
Map of England showing where the Bunney arms are recorded
The Bunney arms were recorded in Durham, c. 1620.
Durham was governed by its bishop rather than the crown for most of its history, with its own courts and its own landed class. That separate world produced a tight group of families, nearly all of whom held 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 Bunney 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 Durham.
Origin & History of the Bunney Family in England
The surname Bunney has deep roots in the northern English county of Durham, where records confirm the family was well-established by the year 1620. The name is generally considered a topographic or locative surname, likely originating from a specific place or a descriptive nickname used in medieval times. In the seventeenth century, families in Durham were often closely tied to the local agricultural economy or the growing coal mining industry that defined the region. As the Bunney family settled into the local community, they became part of the social fabric of northern England during a period of significant religious and political change. By maintaining a presence in Durham, these early ancestors helped shape the local history of the area through their daily labor, community involvement, and family traditions.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bun
A term of endearment or a nickname for a small, round person.
This name
BunneyA diminutive or pet form of a nickname used to describe a person's physical appearance.
also spelled
Bunny
Bunie
Related arms
Bunnyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Surtees, Robert. The History and Antiquities of the County Palatine of Durham. 1816
Durham County Record Office. Durham Diocesan Records: Bishops' Transcripts. 1620
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
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
