A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Boursier family of France.
Reg. 6400 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
leafHappiness and abundance
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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 d'arg. à la croix de Jérusalem d'or; aux 2 et 3 de gu. à un écusson d'arg. en abime, bordé d'or et ch. d'une feuille de houx de sin. [Comp. Challou St.-Mard.]”
FranceParis, c. 1663
Where the Boursier Arms Were Recorded
Paris
Map of France showing where the Boursier arms are recorded
The Boursier arms were recorded in Paris, c. 1663.
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 Boursier 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 Boursier Family in France
The surname Boursier is a descriptive occupational name that originated in medieval France. It is derived from the Old French word "bourse," which refers to a purse or a pouch. Historically, this name was given to individuals who worked as makers of purses, money bags, or small leather goods. By the time the family was firmly established in Paris in 1663, the name had become a recognized identifier for people involved in the trade of leatherwork and commerce. During the seventeenth century, families in Paris often lived near the markets or workshops where their specific crafts were practiced. This allowed the Boursier family to integrate into the professional life of the city as skilled artisans or merchants. Over time, the name transitioned from a simple job description into a permanent family name passed down through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bourse
A leather bag or purse used for carrying coins.
This name
BoursierAn occupational surname for a purse maker or a treasurer.
also spelled
Boursyer
Boursie
Boorsyay
Related arms
Boutet de Bretignolesimilar arms
Fontenysimilar arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France. 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille. 1991
Archives Nationales de France, Minutier central des notaires de Paris
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
leafHappiness and abundance
cross symbolChristian faith and service
leafHappiness and abundance
