Budges History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada is thought to be the home of the ancestors of the Budges family. Their name comes from someone having lived in Caithness and in Orkney (which are in the Highland region). The surname Budges is also derived from the Old French word bouche, which means "mouth". In English, this French word became bouge and later "Budge". Thus, the original bearer of this name may have been noted for the size or shape of his mouth, or even the amount of food which he ate.

Early Origins of the Budges family

The surname Budges was first found in Caithness (Gaelic: Gallaibh), the northern tip of Scotland, a Norse/Viking controlled region from the 9th century, which became the Earldom of Caithness, where they were very anciently seated. Traditionally, the family is descended from a small sept of McDonalds who removed to the north to escape some alleged crimes. They became the Lairds of Tofftingale and their history in the north of Scotland starts about the late 14th century. They were granted their lands by Henry St.Clair, the first Earl of Orkney.

Early History of the Budges family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Budges research. Another 117 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1444 and 1662 are included under the topic Early Budges History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Budges Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. Budges has appeared as Budge, Budges, Buge, Buges and others.

Early Notables of the Budges family

More information is included under the topic Early Budges Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Budges family

Dalriadan families proliferated in North America. Their descendants still populate many communities in the eastern parts of both the United States and Canada. Some settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists, in the wake of the American War of Independence. Families on both sides of the border have recovered much of their heritage in the 20th century through Clan societies and highland games. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Budges or a variant listed above: John Budge who settled in Barbados in 1685; another John Budge settled in Virginia in 1643; followed by Josias Budge in Virginia in 1670; William Budge settled in Georgia in 1775.

The Budges Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Stricta parata neci
Motto Translation: I am prepared to destroy evil