A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Burgoyne family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7903 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. au chev. d'or, acc. de trois bouledogues pass. d'arg.; au chef bastillé du même, ch. de trois martinets d'azur. L'écu entouré d'une bord. ondée d'herm. C.: un dogue assis d'or, oreillé de sa., coll. de gu., ch. d'une cotice ondée de gu. en barre.”
BedfordshireBedfordshire, c. 1856
Where the Burgoyne Arms Were Recorded
Map of France showing where the Burgoyne arms are recorded
The Burgoyne arms were recorded in Bedfordshire, c. 1856.
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 France in this period.
Napoleon III
Sovereign of the period
Napoleon III
1852–1870
Reigning in France when the Burgoyne arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Bedfordshire.
Origin & History of the Burgoyne Family in France
The family name Burgoyne originates from the historical region of Burgundy in eastern France. During the medieval period, the name served as a geographic identifier for people who migrated from this territory to other parts of Europe. While the family established a notable presence in Bedfordshire by the nineteenth century, their roots trace back to the French term Bourguignon, which simply means a person from Burgundy. These early ancestors likely moved across the English Channel during the centuries following the Norman Conquest. As they settled into English life, the spelling of the name evolved from its French origins into the modern form recognized today. This transition reflects the broader movement of people and language across borders during the Middle Ages.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Gu. a chev. or, betw. three talbots ar. on a chief embattled of the last as many martlets az”
BedfordSutton Park · Bedford, c. 1620
Where the Burgoyne Arms Were Recorded
Bedford
Map of England showing where the Burgoyne arms are recorded
The Burgoyne arms were recorded in Bedford, c. 1620.
Bedfordshire was small, flat farming country close to London. Its manors were held by middling families rather than great ones, but a manor was a manor, and holding one brought 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 France when the Burgoyne 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 Bedford.
Origin & History of the Burgoyne Family in England
The surname Burgoyne has deep roots in England, tracing its origins to the medieval period when it functioned as a descriptive name for people who arrived from the Burgundy region of France. By the early 17th century, the family had firmly established itself within the landed gentry of Bedfordshire, particularly in the town of Sutton. Records from 1620 highlight the family’s prominence as they managed local estates and participated in the social and political life of the county. This period was a time of transition for many English families, as they moved from being local landowners to influential figures in national administration. The Burgoyne name became closely tied to the history of Bedfordshire, reflecting a long tradition of service and local governance that defined their status during the Stuart era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Burgundio
A member of the Germanic tribe known as the Burgundians.
This name
BurgoyneA habitational name referring to someone who originated from the region of Burgundy.
also spelled
Burgoyn
Burgoynne
Burgon
Burgoine
Related arms
Burgaynevariant spelling
Burginvariant spelling
Burgoignevariant spelling
Burgonvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Kew, Records of the Court of Common Pleas, CP 40
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
