A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barrau family of France.
Reg. 2372 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. au chev. d'azur, acc. en p. d'un lion de gu.; au chef du sec., ch. d'un croiss. du champ, entre deux étoiles du même.”
RouergueRouergue, c. 1663
Where the Barrau Arms Were Recorded
Rouergue
Map of France showing where the Barrau arms are recorded
The Barrau arms were recorded in Rouergue, c. 1663.
Rouergue was high, stony country in southern France, with more castles than money. Its families were numerous and modest, and even a small holding was enough for a shield of one's 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.
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 Barrau 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 Rouergue.
Origin & History of the Barrau Family in France
The Barrau family name has deep roots in the historical province of Rouergue, located in the southern part of France. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of this family were well established within this rugged, mountainous region. The name itself is thought to be derived from the ancient Occitan language, which was commonly spoken in the area during the Middle Ages. It likely functioned as a descriptive nickname or a reference to a specific location where the family first settled. Over many generations, the Barrau family became integrated into the local social fabric, often working as landowners or professionals who contributed to the development of their rural communities. Their presence in Rouergue highlights a long history of resilience and continuity in a part of France known for its distinct cultural identity and traditions.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bar
A pre-Latin term referring to a summit, height, or rocky outcrop.
This name
BarrauDerived from a topographic location, specifically referring to someone living near a prominent hill or mountain peak.
also spelled
Barraux
Barrao
Baro
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Balsan, Louis. Rouergue roman. 1971
Archives départementales de l'Aveyron. Série E, État civil et registres paroissiaux
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
