Map of France showing where the Cephus arms are recorded
The Cephus arms were recorded in Comtat-Venaissin, 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.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Cephus 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 Cephus Family in France
The family name Cephus carries a deep history rooted in the Comtat-Venaissin region of France. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of this family were already established within this territory. During the seventeenth century, the Comtat-Venaissin was a unique area under the direct control of the Pope rather than the French king. This status created a distinct social and legal environment for the families living there. Ancestors with this name likely navigated the complexities of life in this papal enclave, which served as a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange between Italy and France. Over time, the family name became a part of the local fabric, reflecting the resilience and traditions of those who lived in this historic region during the early modern period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cephas
Aramaic word meaning rock or stone.
This name
CephusDerived from a biblical name signifying a person who is as solid and reliable as a rock.
also spelled
Seps
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales de Vaucluse, Série E (État civil et registres paroissiaux)
Benoit, Jean-Pierre, Histoire du Comtat-Venaissin, 1985
Mouliérac-Lamoureux, Rose, Le Comtat Venaissin pontifical, 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
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
