A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Avenel family of France.
Reg. 2006 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. à trois aigles d'arg.”
FranceBeauvoisis, c. 1663
Where the Avenel Arms Were Recorded
Beauvoisis
Map of France showing where the Avenel arms are recorded
The Avenel arms were recorded in Beauvoisis, c. 1663.
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 Avenel 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 Avenel Family in France
The family name Avenel traces its roots back to the northern regions of France, with a significant presence documented in the Beauvoisis area by 1663. The name itself is believed to be a topographic surname, likely derived from the Old French word "avene," which refers to a field of oats. This suggests that the earliest ancestors were probably farmers or landowners who lived near or cultivated these specific crops. During the seventeenth century, families in this region were often deeply connected to the local parish and agricultural life, which helped establish the name within the community. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the Beauvoisis, contributing to the rural history of the province through their work and local ties.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Avena
Latin term for oats or a field of oats.
This name
AvenelDerived from a place name in Normandy referring to a settlement located near an oat field.
also spelled
Avenelle
Avenell
Avenels
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France. 1951
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
