Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'azur à l'aigle d'or, acc. en chef de deux croiss. d'arg.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Chappuis family of France.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'azur à l'aigle d'or, acc. en chef de deux croiss. d'arg.”
The Chappuis arms were recorded in Lyon, 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.
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 surname Chappuis is a classic example of a topographical name, which means it was originally used to identify people based on where they lived or worked. The name is derived from the Old French word "chapuis," which referred to a carpenter or someone who shaped wood. By the middle of the 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Lyon. During this era, Lyon was a major center for trade and craftsmanship in France. Families like the Chappuis often played a vital role in the urban economy by providing essential skills in construction and woodworking. As the family grew, they became deeply integrated into the social and professional life of the region, leaving behind records that track their movement and influence across the French landscape.
A Latin term for a hooded cloak or cape.
