Map of France showing where the Carey arms are recorded
The Carey arms were recorded in Guernsey, 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 Carey 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 Carey Family in France
The surname Carey has deep roots in the Brittany region of France, where families bearing the name were well-established by the early eighteenth century. During this period, the name was closely tied to the social and agricultural landscape of the Breton countryside. Families in this area often lived in small, tight-knit rural communities where they worked as farmers or local tradespeople. Because Brittany maintained a unique cultural identity separate from the rest of France, the Carey family likely participated in the distinct traditions and language of the region. By 1725, records show that these individuals were integrated into the local parish systems, which served as the center of daily life for recording births, marriages, and deaths. This era was a time of steady growth for families in the province, as they navigated the challenges of rural life while building a lasting presence in their home villages.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. a chev. betw. three lions' heads erased or, on a chief per fesse nebulée ar. and az. a pale of the last, charged with a pelican close of the third, vulning her breast of the field”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Carey arms are recorded
The Carey arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in France when the Carey arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Carey Family in England
The surname Carey has deep roots in England, where it emerged as a locational name derived from various places across the country. Many families took this name after living near a river or a specific settlement, which was a common way to identify people during the Middle Ages. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Carey family were well-established in the historic city of York. At that time, York was a major center for trade and administration, meaning families living there were often involved in the city’s vibrant merchant guilds or local government. These early residents helped shape the community during a period of significant social change in northern England. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of the city, contributing to the daily life and industry that defined York in the early seventeenth century.
Carey Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Carus
Latin term meaning dear, beloved, or precious.
This name
CareyDerived from a locative name referring to someone living near a stream or a fortress.
also spelled
Cary
Karey
Caree
Carie
Kary
Related arms
Caryvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Morbihan, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
Archives départementales du Finistère, Collection de la série E (Registres paroissiaux)
Gautier, Hervé, Histoire de la Bretagne, 1993
Le Moyne de La Borderie, Arthur, Histoire de Bretagne, 1905
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
