A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Chrétien family of France.
Reg. 3956 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
helmetWisdom and security in defence
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De sin. à la fasce d'or, acc. de trois casques du même, tarés de profil. D.: EN BON CHRÉTIEN.”
Francec. 1725
Where the Chrétien Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Chrétien arms are recorded
The Chrétien arms were recorded in France, c. 1725.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Chrétien 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 Chrétien Family in France
The surname Chrétien originates from the medieval period and carries a deep connection to the Christian faith. It began as a descriptive name or a nickname used to identify individuals who were known for their religious devotion or who had participated in religious pilgrimages. By the early eighteenth century, the family had established a firm presence in the region of Bretagne. During this time, families in this area often lived in rural parishes where they worked as farmers or skilled tradespeople. Life in Bretagne during 1725 was defined by strong local traditions and a close relationship with the Catholic Church, which likely reinforced the significance of the name. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the agricultural and cultural development of their villages throughout the province.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Christianus
Derived from the Latin word meaning follower of Christ.
This name
ChrétienA French occupational or baptismal name denoting a person who is a Christian.
also spelled
Chretian
Kretien
Kresteean
Christian
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
Morvan, Françoise, Bretagne est l'univers, 2008
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1725
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
helmetWisdom and security in defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
helmetWisdom and security in defence
