A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bernardy family of France.
Reg. 3363 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
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'or, ch. d'un ours de sa. et acc. de deux trèfles d'arg.; au chef d'azur, ch. de trois étoiles du sec.”
ProvenceProvence, c. 1708
Where the Bernardy Arms Were Recorded
Provence
Map of France showing where the Bernardy arms are recorded
The Bernardy arms were recorded in Provence, c. 1708.
Provence was old country, with towns dating to the Romans and families who traced their land back nearly as far. Its gentry were many and long-settled, and long settlement is what fills a register.
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 Bernardy 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 Provence.
Origin & History of the Bernardy Family in France
The family name Bernardy finds its historical roots in the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence, where records confirm the family was well-established by the year 1708. The name itself is a variation of the Germanic name Bernard, which combines the words for bear and brave to signify a courageous warrior. During the early eighteenth century, families in this region of southern France were often deeply connected to the local agricultural economy and the unique cultural traditions of the Mediterranean coast. As the Bernardy family settled into life in Provence, they became part of a society defined by its distinct dialect and its role as a crossroads for trade between France and Italy. Over time, the name evolved from a simple personal descriptor into a formal surname that helped define the family’s identity within their local community. By maintaining their presence in the region, early members of the Bernardy family contributed to the long-standing social fabric of the French countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bernhard
Germanic compound meaning brave or hardy bear.
This name
BernardyA French patronymic surname derived from the Germanic name meaning bold as a bear.
Related arms
Bernardivariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France. 1951
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
