Map of France showing where the Beauvais arms are recorded
The Beauvais 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 Beauvais 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 Beauvais Family in France
The name Beauvais originates from the ancient city of Beauvais in the Oise department of northern France, which was known as Caesaromagus during the Roman era. Families who adopted this name were often identified by their connection to this specific region or by their status as residents of the town. By the mid-17th century, members of the family had moved westward into the province of Bretagne. Records confirm their presence in this region by 1663, likely as part of the broader internal migrations that defined French society during the reign of King Louis XIV. As these families settled in new areas, they often integrated into the local agricultural or artisan communities, carrying the name of their ancestral home with them as a marker of their origins. This movement helped spread the name across the French landscape, turning a local geographic identifier into a lasting family legacy.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. on a cross sa. five escallops or”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Beauvais arms are recorded
The Beauvais arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in France when the Beauvais arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Beauvais Family in England
The family name Beauvais originated in northern France, derived from the name of the city of Beauvais in the Oise department. During the medieval period, individuals often adopted the names of their home towns as surnames when they traveled or moved to new regions. By the early seventeenth century, members of the Beauvais family had established a presence in the historic city of York in northern England. This migration was likely part of a broader movement of continental Europeans seeking new opportunities or fleeing religious and political instability in their homelands. Once settled in York, these early family members integrated into the local community, contributing to the city’s long-standing tradition as a hub for trade and craftsmanship. Their presence in 1620 suggests that the family had successfully transitioned from their French roots to become part of the social fabric of northern England during the early modern era.
Beauvais Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bellovacum
Derived from the ancient Gaulish tribe known as the Bellovaci.
This name
BeauvaisRefers to someone who originated from the city of Beauvais in northern France.
also spelled
Beauvay
Beauvaix
Bovay
Beauvays
Beavais
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Albert Dauzat, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Marie-Thérèse Morlet, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
Archives départementales d’Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1663
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
