Map of England showing where the Spurgin arms are recorded
The Spurgin 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 Spurgin 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 Spurgin Family in England
The surname Spurgin is believed to have originated in England, with historical records confirming that members of the family were settled in the county of Norfolk by the year 1620. The name is thought to be a variation of the Middle English word "spurge," which referred to a type of plant known for its medicinal properties or its milky sap. It is possible that the name was first used as a descriptive nickname for someone who worked with these plants or lived near a place where they grew in abundance. Over time, the spelling evolved as the family moved through different regions and as local clerks recorded the name based on how it sounded to them. By the early 17th century, the Spurgin family had established roots in the rural communities of East Anglia, where they likely worked as farmers or tradespeople during a period of significant social and economic change in England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Sperling
Middle High German term for a sparrow.
This name
SpurginA nickname for a lively or small person, derived from the bird.
also spelled
Spurgin
Spurgion
Spurgyn
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
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Registers 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
