A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brouillard family of France.
Reg. 0848 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: au 1 d'arg. à deux léopards de gu., l'un sur l'autre; au 2 d'or à la croix ancrée de gu.; au 3 d'or à l'aigle de sa.; au 4 d'or à trois jumelles de sa. C.: une tête et col de licorne au nat. S.: deux griffons, au nat.”
Francec. 1725
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Map of France showing where the Brouillard arms are recorded
The Brouillard 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 Brouillard 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 Brouillard Family in France
The surname Brouillard traces its roots to the historic region of Brittany in northwestern France. By the year 1725, records confirm that members of the family were well established within this rugged coastal territory. The name itself is derived from the French word for fog or mist, which suggests that the original family members may have lived near a damp, low-lying area or a misty valley. During the early eighteenth century, families in Brittany often lived in small, tight-knit rural communities where they worked as farmers or artisans. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the unique cultural identity of the Breton people. This period was a time of steady growth for the family, as they navigated the challenges of life in a province known for its deep traditions and strong connection to the sea.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
brullare
A Vulgar Latin verb meaning to burn or to roar.
This name
BrouillardA topographic name for someone living near a foggy area or a misty location.
also spelled
Bruillard
Bruyar
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B (Fonds de la juridiction de Rennes)
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France, 1951
Morvan, Françoise, La douce vie des fées des houles, 2005
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
