Map of England showing where the Rigg arms are recorded
The Rigg arms were recorded in Cumberland, c. 1620.
Cumberland was rough border country in the north-west, facing Scotland across a disputed line. Its families held land in return for keeping it defended, and men who fought carried shields of their own.
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 Rigg 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 Cumberland.
Origin & History of the Rigg Family in England
The surname Rigg is rooted in the rugged landscape of Northern England, particularly within the historic county of Cumberland. The name is derived from the Old Norse word *hryggr*, which translates to a ridge or a long, narrow hill. This suggests that the earliest people to carry the name were likely identified by the specific geographical features of the land they farmed or inhabited. By the early 17th century, records confirm that the Rigg family had established a firm presence in the region, living as part of the tight-knit communities that defined the borderlands. These early generations were often tied to the local agricultural economy, working the challenging terrain of the Lake District and the surrounding fells. Their history reflects the broader movement of families who settled in the north, where the landscape shaped both their livelihoods and their identities for centuries.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Purple (Purpure)Means: Royal majesty
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)
“Erm. a cross flory purp”
Scotlandc. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Rigg arms are recorded
The Rigg arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Rigg arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Rigg Family in Scotland
The surname Rigg has deep roots in the Scottish Lowlands, where it likely originated as a descriptive name for someone who lived near a prominent ridge or a piece of elevated land. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh, a city that served as the intellectual and administrative heart of the country. During this period, members of the Rigg family were active participants in the urban life of Scotland’s capital, often appearing in local legal and commercial records as the city underwent significant social and architectural changes. These early residents were part of a growing class of professionals and tradespeople who helped shape the identity of Edinburgh during the Enlightenment. Their presence in the city archives by 1748 reflects a family that was well-integrated into the fabric of Scottish society, contributing to the steady development of the region long before the modern era.
Rigg Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
hryggr
Old Norse term referring to a ridge or a back.
This name
RiggA topographic name for someone who lived on or near a mountain ridge.
also spelled
Rygg
Rygge
Related arms
Ridgevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society, Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society, 1901
Cumbria Archive Service, Kendal Archive Centre, Parish Registers of the Diocese of Carlisle, 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
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
cross symbolChristian faith and service
