Map of France showing where the Bisignani arms are recorded
The Bisignani arms were recorded in Languedoc, c. 1663.
Languedoc stretched across the south of France, a country of small towns, vineyards and old local families. Its gentry were numerous rather than grand, and a great many of them held arms even where their estates were modest.
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 Bisignani 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 Languedoc.
Origin & History of the Bisignani Family in France
The Bisignani family name finds its historical roots in the rugged landscapes of southern Europe, with documented evidence placing early members in the Languedoc region of France by 1663. During this period, the family was likely integrated into the local social fabric of a province known for its distinct cultural identity and agricultural traditions. The name itself suggests a connection to the town of Bisignano in the Calabria region of Italy, implying that the family’s ancestors may have migrated across Mediterranean trade routes before establishing themselves in the French countryside. Families during the seventeenth century often moved to seek new economic opportunities or to escape regional conflicts, and the presence of the Bisignanis in Languedoc reflects the mobility of people during the early modern era. By settling in this area, the family became part of a diverse community that balanced local customs with the broader influences of the French kingdom.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bisignano
Derived from the Latin personal name Besinius or Besonius.
This name
BisignaniA locative surname referring to individuals originating from the town of Bisignano in Calabria, Italy.
also spelled
Besignann
Besignane
Bezeenyan
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Le Roy Ladurie, Emmanuel, Les Paysans de Languedoc, 1966
Archives départementales de l'Hérault, Série E: État civil et registres paroissiaux, 1663
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
lionCourage, strength and royalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
