Derived from the bird species of the same spelling, the surname is a nickname which has a similar translation to the name "Crane" i.e. a person with one leg or other striking physical features. The name is Heraldic, with a principle Coat of Arms granted to the Bustards of Devonshire and featuring Three Red Cannon Balls on a Silver Field surrounding a Red Sword Belt on which are displayed Three Gold Bustards. The Coat of Arms was granted c.1620. The name development includes Joseph Bustord of Dublin in 1760 and John Bustard of Castlefinn, Co. Donegal recorded on June 16th 1865. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Joane Bustard, which was dated 1610, married Vincent Whiddon at Bickleigh, Exeter, during the reign of King James I of England and VI of Scotland, 1603 - 1625. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.