Map of France showing where the Capretta arms are recorded
The Capretta 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 Capretta 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 Capretta Family in France
The family name Capretta carries a history deeply rooted in the linguistic traditions of the Mediterranean, where it likely originated as a descriptive nickname. In Italian, the word refers to a young female goat, suggesting that early ancestors may have been associated with pastoral life, animal husbandry, or perhaps a specific geographic landmark known for its livestock. By 1725, records confirm that members of the family had established a presence in the region of Bretagne in France. This migration was likely part of the broader movement of people across Europe during the eighteenth century, as individuals sought new opportunities in trade or agriculture. Settling in Bretagne, a region known for its strong cultural identity and maritime connections, the family adapted to the local customs while maintaining the distinct heritage linked to their ancestral name.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Capra
Latin term for a female goat.
This name
CaprettaA diminutive or descriptive surname referring to someone who herded goats or possessed goat-like traits.
also spelled
Cabrette
Kabreta
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Albert Dauzat, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Archives départementales d’Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, Series E
Marianne Mulon, Origine et histoire des noms de famille, 2002
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
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cross symbolChristian faith and service
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
