Map of England showing where the Wagstaff arms are recorded
The Wagstaff arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1620.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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 Wagstaff 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Wagstaff Family in England
The surname Wagstaff is of English origin and likely began as a descriptive nickname during the Middle Ages. The name is composed of two parts, with "wag" meaning to brandish or wave and "staff" referring to a walking stick or a weapon. It is believed that the name was originally given to someone who carried a staff in a bold or noticeable way, perhaps a person who served as a beadle or a guard. By the early 17th century, the family had established a clear presence in the town of Derby. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Wagstaff family were living and working in this area, where they became part of the local community as it grew during the Stuart period. Over time, the family name spread from these regional roots to other parts of England, maintaining its connection to the practical and sturdy history suggested by its name.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wag-staff
To brandish or wave a staff or walking stick.
This name
WagstaffA nickname for a person who carried a staff or was a swaggering, boastful individual.
also spelled
Wagstaph
Wagstafte
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
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby St. Alkmund Parish Registers, 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
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
