A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Claparède family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 9034 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
helmetWisdom and security in defence
branchPeace, and new growth
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 de gu. à trois étoiles d'arg., rangées en pal; au 2 d'or à un casque de sa., rehaussé d'or, panaché et liséré de gu., soutenu de deux branches de laurier de sin., les pieds passés en saut.”
LanguedocLanguedoc, c. 1808
Where the Claparède Arms Were Recorded
Languedoc
Map of France showing where the Claparède arms are recorded
The Claparède arms were recorded in Languedoc, c. 1808.
Languedoc stretched across the south of France, a country of small towns, vineyards and old local families. Its gentry were numerous rather than grand, and a great many of them held arms even where their estates were modest.
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 Languedoc.
Origin & History of the Claparède Family in France
The family name Claparède is deeply rooted in the rugged landscapes of the Languedoc region in southern France. The name itself is derived from the Occitan word clapareda, which refers to a stony or rocky piece of ground. This suggests that the earliest ancestors of the family were likely farmers or shepherds who worked the challenging, limestone-rich terrain characteristic of the area. By the early nineteenth century, the family was well-established in this province, as evidenced by official records from 1808 that document their presence and daily lives within the local community. Over time, the name became a marker of this specific geographic identity, reflecting a long history of resilience and connection to the distinct soil of southern France.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur au chev. d'or, acc. en chef de deux roses d'arg., tigées et feuillées du même, et en p. d'un oiseau aussi d'arg., posé sur un tertre du même; au chef de gu., ch. de trois étoiles d'arg.”
SwitzerlandGenève, c. 1745
Where the Claparède Arms Were Recorded
Genève
Map of Switzerland showing where the Claparède arms are recorded
The Claparède arms were recorded in Genève, c. 1745.
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 Switzerland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Switzerland
In Switzerland, coats of arms were not restricted to the nobility and were often adopted by common citizens and families. These symbols were passed down through generations to show family identity. When branches of a family grew, they often changed small details of the design to distinguish their own line from the original group.
Granting authority
Cantonal and civic authorities managed the use of coats of arms within their specific regions and local jurisdictions.
How they got arms
Families typically assumed their own coats of arms based on local custom rather than receiving them from a central monarch.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in various cantonal and civic registers starting from the fourteenth century throughout the Swiss region.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Switzerland.
Origin & History of the Claparède Family in Switzerland
The Claparède family is deeply rooted in the history of Geneva, where they established themselves as prominent citizens by the mid-eighteenth century. The name itself is thought to be of Occitan origin, likely derived from the word "clapareda," which refers to a stony or rocky piece of land. By 1745, records confirm that the family was well-integrated into the social and professional life of the city. During this era, members of the family became known for their contributions to the intellectual and religious life of the Republic of Geneva. They often held positions of influence within the local government and the church, reflecting the family's status among the established bourgeoisie. Through their dedication to public service and scholarship, the Claparèdes helped shape the civic identity of Geneva during a time of significant political change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Clapar
A heap of stones or a rocky area in Occitan dialect.
This name
ClaparèdeRefers to a person who lived near a stony field or a rocky terrain.
also spelled
Claparade
Claparad
Claparayde
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales de l'Hérault, État civil, 1808
Mistral, Frédéric, Lou Tresor dóu Felibrige ou Dictionnaire provençal-français, 1878
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
helmetWisdom and security in defence
branchPeace, and new growth
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
helmetWisdom and security in defence
branchPeace, and new growth
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
