Map of England showing where the Whigham arms are recorded
The Whigham arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families carried 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 Whigham 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Whigham Family in England
The surname Whigham is rooted in the history of the Scottish Borders, specifically associated with the region of Dumfriesshire. Historical evidence suggests that the name is a local variation derived from the town of Wigtown, indicating that early ancestors were likely people who migrated from that area to other parts of the British Isles. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Chester, England, as evidenced by records from 1620. During this period, Chester served as a vital hub for trade and movement between England and Ireland, making it a common destination for families seeking new opportunities. The Whighams of this era were part of a mobile population that helped shape the social and economic landscape of the city, transitioning from their Scottish origins to become integrated into the local English community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wig
Old English word for war or battle.
This name
WhighamDerived from a place name meaning a settlement or enclosure associated with war.
also spelled
Hygham
Heigham
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies. Bishop's Transcripts for the Diocese of Chester. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
