Map of France showing where the Clément arms are recorded
The Clément arms were recorded in Lorraine, c. 1487.
Lorraine sat on the border between France and the German lands, and border country bred soldiers. Families here held small estates and served in arms, and a fighting man was exactly the sort who carried a shield of his own.
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.
Charles VIII of France
Sovereign of the period
Charles VIII of France
1483–1498
Reigning in France when the Clément 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 Lorraine.
Origin & History of the Clément Family in France
The surname Clément traces its roots to the Latin word clemens, which means mild or merciful. In France, the name gained popularity because it was associated with early Christian saints and several popes who held the title during the Middle Ages. By the late fifteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the Lorraine region. Records from 1487 confirm that members of the Clément family were active in this area, which was then a crossroads of culture and politics between the French kingdom and the Holy Roman Empire. During this period, families often settled in specific provinces where they served as local officials, merchants, or landowners. The presence of the Cléments in Lorraine suggests they were well-integrated into the social fabric of the region, contributing to the local economy and community life long before the name spread more broadly across the French countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
batonAuthority and office held under the crown
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Coupé: au 1 recoupé: a. d'arg. au griffon pass. de gu., tenant une flèche d'or en pal, sommée d'une étoile du même; b. d'azur à trois étoiles d'or; au 2 d'or à deux chicots de sa., passés en saut., et une fasce bandée d'azur et d'arg., br. sur les chicots. Cq. cour. C.: le griffon, iss. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'or et d'azur.”
Germanyc. 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Germany showing where the Clément arms are recorded
The Clément arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1765.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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 Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in France when the Clément arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Clément Family in Germany
The surname Clément carries deep roots in European history, originating from the Latin word clemens, which means mild or merciful. While the name is often associated with French origins, it spread across borders through religious and cultural movements. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the region of Bavaria. In 1765, records indicate that members of the Clément family were living and working within this German territory. During this era, families often moved across regional lines to seek new opportunities in agriculture or trade. The presence of the name in Bavaria suggests that these ancestors were part of a broader migration pattern that brought families from various parts of Europe into the German states. These early settlers helped shape the local communities where they lived, leaving a lasting mark on the regional history of the time.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. two bends wavy gu. on a chief of the last, three estoiles or”
DorsetChardstock · Dorset, c. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Clément arms are recorded
The Clément arms were recorded in Dorset, c. 1620.
Dorset was quiet farming and grazing country along the south coast. Its gentry were middling rather than grand, but they held their manors for a very long time, and long holding is what puts a name in the records.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in France when the Clément arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dorset.
Origin & History of the Clément Family in England
The name Clément traces its roots back to the Latin word clemens, which means mild, gentle, or merciful. In England, the name became established as a surname during the Middle Ages, often adopted by individuals who were known for their calm or kind nature. By the early 17th century, the family had firmly planted roots in the county of Dorset. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Clément family were active participants in the local community during this period. These early settlers were likely part of the agrarian or merchant classes that defined the social landscape of the English countryside. Over time, the name evolved through various spellings as it moved from spoken traditions into written parish registers and legal documents. This transition reflects the broader patterns of migration and record-keeping that shaped the identity of families living in the coastal regions of southern England.
Clément Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Clemens
Latin term meaning merciful, gentle, or mild.
This name
ClémentDerived from the Latin adjective for a kind, compassionate, or lenient person.
also spelled
Klement
Clemment
Kleman
Clemence
Related arms
Dardenetsimilar arms
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
Archives départementales de Meurthe-et-Moselle, Série B: Cours et juridictions (Chambre des comptes de Lorraine)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
batonAuthority and office held under the crown
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
