A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cavalier family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7069 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à la bande d'azur, acc. de six molettes de gu., rangées en orle [A cette fam. appartenait Jean Cavalier, chef des Camisards.]”
LanguedocLanguedoc, c. 1663
Where the Cavalier Arms Were Recorded
Languedoc
Map of France showing where the Cavalier arms are recorded
The Cavalier arms were recorded in Languedoc, c. 1663.
Languedoc stretched across the south of France, a country of small towns, vineyards and old local families. Its gentry were numerous rather than grand, and a great many of them held arms even where their estates were modest.
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 Cavalier 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 Languedoc.
Origin & History of the Cavalier Family in France
The name Cavalier emerged in the southern region of France known as Languedoc, where it was historically linked to individuals who served as skilled horsemen or soldiers. By the mid-seventeenth century, families bearing this name were well-established in the rugged landscape of the Cévennes mountains. This area was a stronghold for the Huguenots, who were French Protestants navigating a period of intense religious and political pressure. In 1663, records confirm that members of the Cavalier family were living in this region, likely working as farmers or craftsmen while maintaining their distinct cultural and religious identity. The name itself reflects a legacy of mobility and service, marking the family as part of the resilient population that shaped the social fabric of rural Languedoc long before the major upheavals of the eighteenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
pegasusFame, eloquence and swift renown
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Az. a Pegasus ramp. or, on his breast a cinquefoil gu. within a bordure gobonated ar. and vert”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Cavalier Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Cavalier arms are recorded
The Cavalier 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 Cavalier 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 Cavalier Family in England
The surname Cavalier carries a rich history that reflects the social shifts of seventeenth-century England. While the name is often associated with the French word for a horseman or knight, its presence in the city of York by 1620 suggests that the family had established roots in northern England long before the political turmoil of the English Civil War. During this period, families with this name were often integrated into the local merchant and tradesman classes, living in the bustling urban centers that served as hubs for regional commerce. As the seventeenth century progressed, the term Cavalier became a famous political label for supporters of the monarchy, which likely influenced how people perceived those already bearing the name. By settling in a historic city like York, the early members of this family were part of a growing class of citizens who helped shape the local economy and social structure of the region during the transition into the Stuart era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Caballus
A Latin term referring to a horse or pack animal.
This name
CavalierA historical occupational name for a mounted soldier or a horseman.
also spelled
Cavaler
Cavallier
Kavalier
Cavaller
Cavellier
Related arms
Cavalervariant spelling
Cavallierlvariant spelling
Caveliervariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bosc, Jean. La guerre des Camisards. 1985
Archives Départementales du Gard, État civil et registres paroissiaux de la commune de Ribaute-les-Tavernes. 1663
Joutard, Philippe. La légende des Camisards: une sensibilité au passé. 1977
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bordureA difference between branches of one family
pegasusFame, eloquence and swift renown
cinquefoilHope and joy
