A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Briant family of France.
Reg. 2664 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bellA call to prayer, and a warning given
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Éc.: au 1 d'azur au lion d'or, surm. d'un croiss. d'arg.; aux 2 et 3 d'arg. au chev. d'azur, acc. en chef de deux molettes de sa. et en p. d'une cloche du même; au 4 d'azur au guidon d'arg., monté et frangé d'or, ch. de la lettre N de sa., entourée de lauriers du même, le guidon fiché dans une terrasse de sin.”
Francec. 1725
Where the Briant Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Briant arms are recorded
The Briant 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 Briant 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 Briant Family in France
The family name Briant finds its deep roots in the historical region of Brittany, known in French as Bretagne. The name is derived from the ancient Celtic word "bri," which translates to high status, esteem, or dignity. By the early 18th century, the family was firmly established within the social fabric of this northwestern French province. During the year 1725, members of the Briant family were active participants in the local community life of Brittany, likely working as farmers, artisans, or tradespeople who helped shape the rural economy of the era. Because the region maintained a distinct cultural and linguistic identity separate from the rest of France, the family name became closely tied to the traditions and regional pride of the Breton people. Over generations, this name was passed down through parish records and civil documents, marking the family as a consistent presence in the rugged landscape of their ancestral home.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Brian
Derived from the Celtic element meaning high or noble.
This name
BriantA French surname originating from the Old Celtic name meaning high or noble.
also spelled
Briand
Bryant
Briante
Brian
Related arms
Briandvariant spelling
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
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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
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bellA call to prayer, and a warning given
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bellA call to prayer, and a warning given
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
