A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Chénier family of France.
Reg. 1350 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. au chev. de gu., acc. en chef de deux branches de chêne de sin., englantées d'or, posées en chev., et en p. d'un lévrier courant de sa., langué de gu. [Famille à laquelle appartenaient André Marie et Marie Joseph de Chénier.]”
FranceParis, c. 1880
Where the Chénier Arms Were Recorded
Paris
Map of France showing where the Chénier arms are recorded
The Chénier arms were recorded in Paris, c. 1880.
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.
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 Chénier Family in France
The name Chénier is rooted in the French language and carries a history tied to the landscape of the country. It is a topographical surname, which means it was originally given to people who lived near a specific type of terrain. The name is derived from the Old French word "chesne," which refers to an oak tree. Consequently, the name likely identified families who resided near an oak forest or a prominent oak grove. By the time the family was firmly established in Paris during the late 19th century, the name had already been part of the French cultural landscape for generations. These early family members in 1880 were part of a long tradition of individuals carrying a name that reflected a deep connection to the natural environment of their ancestral home.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Chesne
Old French term for an oak tree.
This name
ChénierA topographic name for someone who lived near an oak forest or grove.
also spelled
Chenyer
Chenie
Shenyay
Shenier
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France. 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille. 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
