A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cragg family of England.
Reg. 4537 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 a bend az. betw. two talbots pass. sa. three martlets or”
DevonDevon, c. 1620
Where the Cragg Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Cragg arms are recorded
The Cragg arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of 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 Cragg 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Cragg Family in England
The surname Cragg is topographic in origin, meaning it was originally used to identify people who lived near a prominent crag or a steep, rugged cliff. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Devon. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Cragg family were settled in this region, likely working as farmers or laborers who navigated the challenging, rocky terrain characteristic of the local landscape. Because the name describes a specific physical feature, it likely emerged independently in different parts of England where such geography existed. Over time, the name became a permanent identifier for these families as they put down roots in the rural communities of the West Country.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
crag
a steep or rugged cliff or rock face
This name
Cragga topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent crag or rocky outcrop
also spelled
Crage
Related arms
Kragg, Krag, Krog, or Krogevariant spelling
Brownerecorded with Cragg, same area
Thorntonrecorded with Cragg, same area
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Register Transcripts for Devon, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
