Map of France showing where the Caira arms are recorded
The Caira arms were recorded in France, c. 1663.
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 XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Caira 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 Caira Family in France
The Caira family name has deep roots in the historical region of Bretagne, where records confirm members of the family were established by the year 1663. During the seventeenth century, Bretagne was a distinct province with its own unique customs and social structure. Families living in this area often worked in agriculture or maritime trades, as the rugged landscape and long coastline shaped the daily lives of the local population. The name Caira likely evolved from regional dialects or local nicknames that were common in rural French communities at the time. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of village life, contributing to the cultural identity of the province. By maintaining a presence in the region for generations, the early members of the Caira family helped preserve the traditions and history of their home in northwestern France.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cara
Latin term meaning dear, beloved, or precious.
This name
CairaA locative or descriptive surname likely denoting a beloved person or someone from a specific place.
also spelled
Carra
Caras
Carae
Kara
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d’Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B: Cours et juridictions
Archives départementales du Finistère, Série E: Familles et seigneuries
Ogée, Jean, Dictionnaire historique et géographique de la province de Bretagne, 1778
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
