Map of England showing where the Madge arms are recorded
The Madge 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 Madge 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 Madge Family in England
The family name Madge has deep roots in the rugged landscape of Devon, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1620. The name likely originated as a pet form of the name Margaret, which was a very popular choice for girls in medieval England. Over time, this nickname evolved into a formal surname as families began to adopt fixed last names to distinguish themselves in growing communities. Life in seventeenth-century Devon was defined by agriculture, maritime trade, and the distinct local culture of the West Country. By settling in this region, the early Madge families became part of a long history of rural life and community development that shaped the identity of the area for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Margaret
Derived from the Greek word for pearl.
This name
MadgeA medieval diminutive form of a name signifying a precious pearl.
also spelled
Mudgie
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, 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
wyvernValour and protection, and victory over the plague
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wyvernValour and protection, and victory over the plague
