Map of France showing where the Cavaliere arms are recorded
The Cavaliere 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 Cavaliere 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 Cavaliere Family in France
The name Cavaliere traces its roots to the social and military structures of medieval France, where it served as a title for men of status who served in the cavalry. By the mid-17th century, the family established a firm presence in the Languedoc region, a historic province in the south of France known for its complex religious and political landscape. Records from 1663 confirm that members of the family were active in this area, likely participating in the local agricultural or administrative life that defined the Languedoc economy. During this period, the region was undergoing significant changes as the French monarchy sought to centralize power, and families like the Cavalieres often navigated these shifts by maintaining strong ties to their local communities. Their presence in Languedoc suggests a history deeply connected to the land and the evolving social hierarchies of southern France before the major upheavals of the following 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
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Map of England showing where the Cavaliere arms are recorded
The Cavaliere 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 Cavaliere 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 Cavaliere Family in England
The family name Cavaliere carries a distinct history that traces back to the social structures of medieval Europe, eventually finding a foothold in England by the early seventeenth century. While the name is rooted in Italian origins, signifying a knight or a person of noble standing, its presence in the city of York by 1620 suggests a period of migration and integration into the English professional class. During this era, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration, attracting individuals who often held specialized skills or served in roles that required literacy and social standing. The arrival of the family in this region indicates that they were likely part of the movement of skilled people across borders, adapting their identity to fit into the local community. By establishing themselves in a major city like York, these early ancestors became part of the local fabric, participating in the daily life and economic growth of northern England during a time of significant cultural exchange.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Caballarius
A person who owns or rides a horse.
This name
CavaliereAn occupational surname for a knight, horseman, or a mounted soldier.
also spelled
Cavaler
Cavallier
Kavalier
Cavaller
Cavellier
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales de l'Hérault, Série E: État civil et registres paroissiaux
Archives nationales de France, Fonds de la province de Languedoc
Le Roy Ladurie, Emmanuel, Les Paysans de Languedoc, 1966
Wolff, Philippe, Histoire du Languedoc, 1967
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bordureA difference between branches of one family
pegasusFame, eloquence and swift renown
cinquefoilHope and joy
