Map of England showing where the Bushe arms are recorded
The Bushe arms were recorded in Wiltshire, 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 Bushe 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 Wiltshire.
Origin & History of the Bushe Family in England
The family name Bushe has deep roots in the English landscape, with historical evidence placing members of the family in the county of Wiltshire as early as the seventeenth century. The name itself is likely a topographic surname, which was a common way for people to identify themselves based on the natural features near their homes. It is widely believed that the name originated from the Middle English word "bush," suggesting that the earliest ancestors lived near a prominent thicket or a recognizable patch of woodland. By the year 1620, the Bushe family had established a presence in Wiltshire, where they lived as part of the local community during a time of significant social and agricultural change. These early settlers were likely farmers or tradespeople who helped shape the rural character of the region. Over the following generations, the family name became firmly woven into the local history of the area, reflecting the quiet but steady lives of those who worked the land in southern England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
wolfReward from long service and hard work
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, az. a wolf ramp. ar. collared and chained or, in chief three crosses pattée fitchée of the second: 2nd and 3rd, barry of six ar. and az. a bend compony or and gu”
WaterfordGlencairne Abbey · Waterford, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Bushe arms are recorded
The Bushe arms were recorded in Waterford, c. 1645.
Waterford was a port with good farming country behind it, settled early by Norman families. Merchants and landowners both prospered, and both sorts of family took 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Bushe arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Waterford.
Origin & History of the Bushe Family in Ireland
The Bushe family established a significant presence in Ireland by the mid-seventeenth century, with records confirming their residence in County Waterford by 1645. The name is generally believed to be of French origin, likely arriving in the British Isles following the Norman Conquest before eventually crossing the Irish Sea. By settling in the fertile lands of the southeast, the family integrated into the local administrative and social structures of the period. Over the following generations, members of the family became deeply involved in Irish legal and political life, particularly in the city of Kilkenny and the surrounding regions. Their transition from newcomers to prominent landowners and public figures reflects the broader patterns of migration and social mobility that defined the Anglo-Irish experience during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Bushe Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bosc
Old French term for a wood or thicket.
This name
BusheA topographical name for someone who lived near a wood or forest.
also spelled
Bussh
Busch
Related arms
Busche, or Bushvariant spelling
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
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Wiltshire Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
wolfReward from long service and hard work
