A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Broche family of France.
Reg. 3733 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur à un oranger d'or dans une caisse du même, posée sur une terrasse de sa.; au chef de gu., ch. de trois étoiles d'or.”
LanguedocLanguedoc, c. 1663
Where the Broche Arms Were Recorded
Languedoc
Map of France showing where the Broche arms are recorded
The Broche arms were recorded in Languedoc, c. 1663.
Languedoc stretched across the south of France, a country of small towns, vineyards and old local families. Its gentry were numerous rather than grand, and a great many of them held arms even where their estates were modest.
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 Broche 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 Languedoc.
Origin & History of the Broche Family in France
The family name Broche has deep roots in the Languedoc region of southern France, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1663. The name itself is likely derived from the Old French word *broche*, which refers to a pointed tool or a spit used for roasting meat. In medieval times, surnames were often created based on a person’s trade, and it is probable that an early ancestor was a blacksmith, a metalworker, or someone who crafted these specific tools. During the seventeenth century, families in Languedoc were often tied to the land through agriculture or local craftsmanship. As the family established itself in this area, they became part of the social fabric of the region, living through a period of significant religious and political change in France. By settling in Languedoc, the early Broche family members were part of a vibrant cultural landscape known for its unique language and long history of independence.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Broche
Derived from the Old French word for a spit or needle.
This name
BrocheAn occupational name for a maker of spits, skewers, or needles.
also spelled
Brokhe
Brocche
Brochee
Brosh
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.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
