Map of France showing where the Boncore arms are recorded
The Boncore arms were recorded in Provence, c. 1663.
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 Boncore 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 Boncore Family in France
The family name Boncore traces its roots to the sun-drenched region of Provence in southern France, where records confirm the family was established by at least 1663. The name itself is derived from a combination of the Old French words for good and heart, suggesting that it was originally a descriptive nickname given to an ancestor known for their kindness or noble character. During the seventeenth century, families in Provence often lived in tight-knit rural communities centered around agriculture and local trade. As the Boncore name became more fixed in the region, members of the family likely participated in the vibrant social and economic life of the Mediterranean coast. By settling in this area, the early Boncore family became part of the long history of Provençal culture, which was defined by its unique language, traditions, and deep connection to the land.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bonum Cor
Latin for good heart or kind spirit.
This name
BoncoreDerived from a nickname describing a person with a kind or virtuous disposition.
also spelled
Bonecorse
Bonnecors
Bonnecorce
Bonekors
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales des Bouches-du-Rhône, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1663
Boyer, Ferdinand, La vie quotidienne en Provence au XVIIe siècle, 1968
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille 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.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
