Map of France showing where the Bassenheim arms are recorded
The Bassenheim arms were recorded in France, c. 1725.
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 XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Bassenheim 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 Bassenheim Family in France
The family name Bassenheim carries a history deeply rooted in the shifting landscapes of Western Europe. While the name is often associated with noble estates in the Rhineland, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in the region of Bretagne by 1725. During this period, families of similar standing often moved across borders to serve in administrative roles or to manage land interests for the regional aristocracy. The presence of the family in Bretagne suggests they were part of a mobile class of landowners who integrated into local society while maintaining their distinct ancestral identity. Over time, these early settlers helped bridge the cultural gap between their Germanic origins and the unique traditions of the Breton people. Their transition into this coastal region reflects the broader patterns of movement that defined the lives of many influential families during the eighteenth century.
Bassenheim Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bass-heim
A low-lying settlement or home located in a valley.
This name
BassenheimRefers to a dwelling place situated in a low or marshy area.
also spelled
Basenheim
Related arms
Grätzl de Rosensimilar arms
Maessimilar arms
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 Morbihan, Série E (Familles et seigneuries)
Poterie, Paul, Histoire de la Bretagne, 1972
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
