A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Care family of France.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commanderJ. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“De gu. à la bande”
The Care arms were recorded in Bourbonnais, c. 1663.
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.
Reigning in France when the Care arms are first recorded.
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.
The family name Care has deep roots in the historical province of Bourbonnais, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1663. During the seventeenth century, Bourbonnais was a region defined by its agricultural landscape and its connection to the French crown. Families living in this area often took names that reflected their trade, their physical traits, or the specific lands they occupied. The name Care likely evolved from local linguistic traditions, perhaps serving as a descriptive term for an ancestor’s personality or their role within the rural community. As these early family members navigated life in the heart of France, they contributed to the local culture and economy of the region. Their presence in the 1663 records suggests they were well-integrated into the social fabric of the province, participating in the daily life and administrative milestones of the era.
Latin word meaning dear, beloved, or precious.
