The village was first mentioned in 1230 as Bugnem, and means "settlement of Buggo (person)".

[3] Buggenum developed in the Early Middle Ages along the Maas.

The current church is Gothic Revival style was built between 1948 and 1949, and a tower was added in 1958.

[4] Malborgh estate is a castle-like building with two corner towers.

[5] Buggenum was a separate municipality until 1942, when it was merged with Haelen.