Bugges History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The name Bugges was first used in the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. It indicates that the first bearer lived in Caithness and in Orkney (which are in the Highland region). The surname Bugges 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 Bugges family

The surname Bugges 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 Bugges family

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

Bugges Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, Bugges has been spelled Budge, Budges, Buge, Buges and others.

Early Notables of the Bugges family

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

Migration of the Bugges family

Many of the ancestors of Dalriadan families who arrived in North America still live in communities along the east coast of Canada and the United States. In the American War of Independence many of the original settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the ancestors of many Scots began recovering their collective national heritage through Clan societies, highland games, and other patriotic events. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Bugges 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 Bugges 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