Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“De sa. à trois croiss. d'or.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bailly family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“De sa. à trois croiss. d'or.”
The Bailly arms were recorded in Amsterdam, c. 1815.
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.
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
The name Bailly carries a rich history that reflects the movement of people across European borders during the early nineteenth century. While the name has roots in French-speaking regions, records confirm that members of the family were firmly established in Amsterdam by 1815. During this period, Amsterdam was a bustling center of trade and recovery following the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Families like the Baillys often moved to the Netherlands to take advantage of the city's growing commercial opportunities and its reputation as a hub for international exchange. As they settled into Dutch society, they integrated into the local urban culture while maintaining the distinct identity associated with their surname. This transition highlights how families adapted to new environments during a time of significant political and social change in Europe.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“De gu. à la bande d'arg., ch. d'un chien basset de sa.”
The Bailly arms were recorded in Lorraine, c. 1540.
Lorraine sat on the border between France and the German lands, and border country bred soldiers. Families here held small estates and served in arms, and a fighting man was exactly the sort who carried a shield of his own.
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.
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.
The name Bailly originated in France as an occupational title derived from the Old French word "bailli," which referred to an official responsible for administrative, financial, and judicial duties in a specific district. By the mid-16th century, the family had established a notable presence in the Lorraine region, a territory then caught between the influences of the Holy Roman Empire and the French Crown. As these early ancestors served as local administrators or legal representatives, they became deeply integrated into the social fabric of their communities. Their role required them to act as intermediaries between the ruling authorities and the common people, which helped the family gain local prominence. Over time, the name transitioned from a professional description into a hereditary surname that identified families who held these positions of trust and governance across various French provinces.
Latin term for a carrier, porter, or person in charge.

