Map of France showing where the Agres arms are recorded
The Agres arms were recorded in France, c. 1663.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in France in this period.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Agres arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Agres Family in France
The family name Agres has deep roots in the historical region of Bretagne, France, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1663. During the seventeenth century, Bretagne was a distinct province with its own customs and social structures, often shaped by its proximity to the Atlantic coast and its unique cultural identity. Families in this region frequently lived in rural parishes where they worked as farmers, artisans, or local tradespeople. The name likely evolved from regional dialects or nicknames used to identify individuals based on their specific trade or the location of their homestead. As these early ancestors navigated life in a province known for its strong sense of community and regional pride, they contributed to the local economy and social fabric of their villages. Over time, the family name became a permanent part of the historical record in Bretagne, reflecting the lives of ordinary citizens who helped build the foundations of their local parishes.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Agrestis
Latin term meaning belonging to the fields or rustic.
This name
AgresA topographic or occupational surname referring to someone who lived in or worked on rural land.
also spelled
Agriz
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B (Cours et juridictions)
Archives départementales du Finistère, Série E (Familles et notaires)
Gautier, Hervé. Histoire de la Bretagne. 1993
Le Moyne de La Borderie, Arthur. Histoire de Bretagne. 1905
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
