A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Beccue family of Belgium.
bullValour and generosityJ. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'azur à une tête et col de boeuf d'arg.”
The Beccue arms were recorded in Tournai, c. 1737.
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.
Reigning in Belgium when the Beccue arms are first recorded.
In Belgium, a coat of arms is considered personal property that is passed down through the male line to legitimate descendants. Families often use the same shield design across generations to show their shared heritage. If a branch of the family wants to change the design, they must apply for an official update to their specific version of the arms.
The surname Beccue finds its historical roots in the region of modern-day Belgium and northern France. By the year 1737, records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of Tournai. This city served as a major center for trade and craftsmanship during the eighteenth century. The name likely evolved from local linguistic traditions in the Hainaut province, where families often adopted names based on their specific trade or their location within the city walls. Living in Tournai meant that the early Beccues were part of a vibrant urban environment that sat at the crossroads of European commerce. As the family grew, they navigated the shifting political borders of the era while maintaining their presence in the region. This early history reflects the typical movement of families who settled in industrial hubs to participate in the local economy and community life.
Latin term for a beak or a bird's bill.
