Map of France showing where the Bothun arms are recorded
The Bothun 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 Bothun 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 Bothun Family in France
The family name Bothun traces its roots back to the coastal region of Bretagne in northwestern France, where members of the lineage were documented as early as 1663. During the seventeenth century, this area was a hub of maritime activity and agricultural development, which likely shaped the daily lives and occupations of the early family members. The name itself reflects the linguistic landscape of the region, which was heavily influenced by both the local Breton language and the broader French administration of the time. As the family established themselves in their community, they became part of the social fabric of the province, navigating the complex political and economic changes that defined life in rural France during the reign of King Louis XIV. By maintaining a presence in Bretagne, these early ancestors contributed to the long-standing cultural identity of a region known for its strong traditions and deep historical ties to the sea.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Baudouin
Derived from Germanic elements meaning bold friend or brave protector.
This name
BothunA locational or patronymic surname originating from the Old French personal name Baudouin.
also spelled
Bothonn
Bothonne
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Finistère, Collection de l'état civil ancien
Galliou, Patrick, Histoire de la Bretagne, 2005
Le Page, Dominique, Pour en finir avec le Moyen Âge: La Bretagne au XVIe siècle, 2008
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
branchPeace, and new growth
branchPeace, and new growth
