Map of England showing where the Spurgeon arms are recorded
The Spurgeon arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Spurgeon 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Spurgeon Family in England
The surname Spurgeon is rooted in the history of East Anglia, particularly within the county of Norfolk. Etymologists believe the name likely originated as a nickname, possibly derived from the Middle English word "sporge," which referred to a small twig or a spray of flowers. By the early 17th century, the family was well-established in the region, as evidenced by records of Spurgeons living in Norfolk around 1620. During this period, the family members were typically yeoman farmers or tradespeople who played an active role in the local community life of rural England. As the population grew and moved, the name became synonymous with the distinct dialect and cultural traditions of the Norfolk countryside, eventually spreading across the British Isles and beyond as families sought new opportunities in the following centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
espergeon
Old French term for a small asparagus shoot or sprout.
This name
SpurgeonA nickname for a person who was slender or resembled a young asparagus shoot.
also spelled
Spurgin
Spurgion
Spurgyn
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
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Register Transcripts for Norfolk, 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
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
