Map of France showing where the Bolam arms are recorded
The Bolam arms were recorded in Bretagne, c. 1663.
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 Bolam 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 Bretagne.
Origin & History of the Bolam Family in France
The history of the Bolam name in France is deeply tied to the rugged landscape and distinct culture of the Bretagne region. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of the family were already established within this northwestern province. During this era, Bretagne functioned as a semi-independent duchy with its own unique customs and social structures. Families living there often worked in agriculture or maritime trades, reflecting the coastal nature of the territory. The presence of the Bolam name in these early parish and civil records suggests that they were integrated into the local community life of the seventeenth century. As the region navigated the pressures of the French monarchy, families like the Bolams helped maintain the local traditions that defined the Breton identity. Their early history serves as a window into the lives of provincial families who lived through a period of significant political and social change in French history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. on a fesse betw. three etoiles ar. as many pellets”
NorfolkWalstoken · Norfolk, c. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Bolam arms are recorded
The Bolam arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Bolam 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Bolam Family in England
The surname Bolam is a locative name, meaning it originated from people who lived in or near a specific place. In England, the name is most strongly associated with the village of Bolam in Northumberland, though families carrying the name eventually spread to other regions like Norfolk by the early 17th century. During the 1600s, England was a time of significant social movement as families sought new opportunities in different counties. By 1620, records confirm that members of the Bolam family were established in Norfolk, participating in the local life and economy of the region. This migration reflects the broader pattern of English families moving away from their ancestral northern roots to settle in the fertile lands of East Anglia. These early ancestors were likely farmers or tradespeople who helped build the local communities that defined life in rural England during the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Baudouin
Derived from the Germanic elements for bold and friend.
This name
BolamA patronymic surname originating as a diminutive form of the name Baldwin.
also spelled
Ballam
Balamm
Balaam
Ballamm
Ballem
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B (Fonds de la juridiction de Bretagne)
Archives départementales du Finistère, Série E (État civil et registres paroissiaux)
Le Moyne de La Borderie, Arthur, Histoire de Bretagne, 1896
Pocquet du Haut-Jussé, Barthélémy, Histoire de Bretagne, 1937
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
