Map of France showing where the Bonnefoy arms are recorded
The Bonnefoy arms were recorded in France, c. 1725.
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.
Louis XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Bonnefoy 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 Bonnefoy Family in France
The surname Bonnefoy originates from the French language and carries a meaning rooted in positive character, as it translates roughly to "good faith" or "good trust." Historically, this name was often given as a descriptive nickname to individuals who were known for their honesty, reliability, or strong moral standing within their local community. By the early 18th century, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in the region of Bretagne. During this period, the family likely lived as part of the rural or merchant classes, contributing to the local economy through agriculture or trade. Because the name reflects a personal virtue rather than a specific geographic location, it suggests that ancestors of the Bonnefoy line were recognized by their neighbors for their integrity long before the name became a permanent hereditary surname.
Bonnefoy Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bonus
Latin term meaning good or virtuous.
This name
BonnefoyDerived from a nickname for a good person or a person of good faith.
also spelled
Bonnefoi
Bonefwa
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
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
