Show ContentsBiglind History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Biglind

What does the name Biglind mean?

The ancient history of the Biglind name begins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from when the family resided in an estate called Bigland, in the parish of Cartmell, North Lancashire.

Early Origins of the Biglind family

The surname Biglind was first found in Lancashire, where they were a very ancient family seated at Bigland Hall "from the time of the Conquest." 1

Now known as Biglands, with Gamblesby, this township, is in the parish of Aikton, union of Wigton, Cumberland ward, and E. division of Cumberland. 2 Bigland Hall survives today as a country house with the latest rendition built in the 16th century.

Early History of the Biglind family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Biglind research. Another 158 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1485, 1509, 1559, 1620, 1647, 1650, 1672, 1689, 1690, 1704 and 1716 are included under the topic Early Biglind History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Biglind Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Biglind include Bigland, Biglin, Biglen, Biglon, Biglande, Byglande and many more.

Early Notables of the Biglind family

Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Biglind Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Biglind family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Biglind or a variant listed above: Patrick Bigland, who arrived in New York in 1824.



The Biglind 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: Gratitude


  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook