A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Blondel family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1943 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 de sa. à la bande d'or (Blondel); aux 2 et 3 d'or fretté de”
Francec. 1585
Where the Blondel Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Blondel arms are recorded
The Blondel arms were recorded in France, c. 1585.
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.
Henry III of France
Sovereign of the period
Henry III of France
1574–1589
Reigning in France when the Blondel 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 Blondel Family in France
The surname Blondel finds its roots in the medieval French language, where it functioned as a descriptive nickname for a person with fair or golden hair. Derived from the Old French word blond, the name became a common way to distinguish individuals within a community before the widespread use of formal surnames. By the late sixteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the region of Bretagne. Historical records confirm that members of the Blondel family were living in this northwestern province by 1585, where they participated in the local social and economic life of the era. As the family grew, they integrated into the fabric of Breton society, leaving behind traces in local parish registers and legal documents that highlight their steady influence in the region during the transition into the early modern period.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
The body that granted and recorded arms in Guernsey in this period.
James II of England
Sovereign of the period
James II of England
1685–1688
Reigning in France when the Blondel arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Guernsey
Arms in the Channel Islands were granted and recorded by the College of Arms in London, under the same law of arms as England. They could be used by all legitimate descendants of the original owner: the eldest son kept the original design, and other family members used the same shield without registering a version of their own.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms for Guernsey and the other Channel Islands 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 Guernsey.
Origin & History of the Blondel Family in Guernsey
The Blondel family has deep roots in Guernsey that stretch back several centuries, with documented evidence confirming their presence on the island by 1688. The name itself is of Old French origin and likely functioned as a descriptive nickname, referring to someone with fair or blonde hair. As the family established themselves within the island’s tight-knit community, they became deeply integrated into the local way of life. Many early members of the family were involved in the island’s traditional agricultural and maritime industries, which were essential for survival on a small, isolated territory. Over time, the Blondels became a well-known part of the Guernsey population, contributing to the unique cultural and social development of the island through their work and their long-standing ties to the local parishes.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
blundus
A Latin term meaning yellow or light-colored.
This name
BlondelA nickname for someone with fair or blonde hair.
also spelled
Blondelle
Blondell
Blundell
Related arms
Blondeauvariant spelling
Blondeelvariant spelling
Blond, Levariant spelling
Blundellvariant 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
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille. 1991
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série G: Clergé séculier
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
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
