Map of France showing where the Chlan arms are recorded
The Chlan arms were recorded in Provence, c. 1663.
Provence was old country, with towns dating to the Romans and families who traced their land back nearly as far. Its gentry were many and long-settled, and long settlement is what fills a register.
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 Chlan 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 Provence.
Origin & History of the Chlan Family in France
The surname Chlan is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of Provence, France, where records confirm the family’s presence as early as 1663. During the seventeenth century, Provence was a region defined by its vibrant agricultural economy and its role as a cultural bridge between the Mediterranean coast and the rest of France. Families living in this area often identified themselves through their local trade or their connection to specific rural estates. Because the name appears in regional documentation during this era, it is likely that the early members of the Chlan family were integrated into the social and economic fabric of the provincial towns. These individuals would have witnessed a time of significant transition as the French monarchy consolidated power and expanded its influence over the southern territories. By maintaining a steady presence in Provence, the family became part of the long-standing demographic history of a region known for its unique traditions and distinct local identity.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Clarus
Latin term meaning clear, bright, or famous.
This name
ChlanA locative or descriptive surname likely referring to someone living near a clear stream or a bright clearing.
also spelled
Chayland
Shaylan
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales des Bouches-du-Rhône, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
Benoît, Fernand, La Provence et le Comtat Venaissin, 1949
Cubells, Monique, La Provence des Lumières: les parlementaires d'Aix au XVIIIe siècle, 1984
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
