A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Amey family of France.
Reg. 5322 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 d'arg. à la tour sommée d'une tourelle de sa.; au 2 d'azur à trois têtes de léopard d'or.”
Francec. 1663
Where the Amey Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Amey arms are recorded
The Amey 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 Amey 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 Amey Family in France
The family name Amey has deep roots in the historical region of Bretagne, France, where records confirm members of the family were established by the year 1663. The name is believed to have evolved from ancient linguistic traditions, likely serving as a descriptive term or a personal name that eventually became a hereditary surname. During the seventeenth century, families in this coastal region were often tied to the local land or specific trades, which helped define their social standing within their parishes. As the family grew, they became part of the unique cultural fabric of Bretagne, a region known for its distinct heritage and strong sense of community. By tracing these early records, we see a family that was well-integrated into the local administrative and social life of their time, leaving behind a legacy that has persisted through the centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Amatus
Latin for beloved or dear one.
This name
AmeyA French surname derived from a personal name meaning beloved or well-liked.
also spelled
Ameye
Amay
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1663
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France, 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
lionCourage, strength and royalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
lionCourage, strength and royalty
