A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Clements family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5495 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“D'arg. à deux bandes ondées de sa.; au chef de gu., ch. de trois bes. d'or. C.: un faucon au nat. S.: deux cerfs au nat., celui à dextre tenant entre ses dents un trèfle de sin., celui à sen. coll. d'or. D.: PATRIIS VIRTUTIBUS.”
Francec. 1783
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Map of France showing where the Clements arms are recorded
The Clements arms were recorded in France, c. 1783.
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 XVI of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XVI of France
1774–1791
Reigning in France when the Clements 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 Clements Family in France
The surname Clements finds its roots in the Latin name Clemens, which translates to merciful or gentle. In France, the name evolved through local dialects and regional naming customs before settling into its familiar form. By the late eighteenth century, records confirm that families bearing this name were established in the province of Bretagne. During this period, the region was characterized by a mix of traditional agricultural life and growing maritime trade along the Atlantic coast. Families in this area often lived in small, tight-knit communities where names were passed down through generations to maintain local identity. While the name was present across various parts of Europe, the branch in Bretagne likely adapted to the specific cultural and linguistic landscape of western France as they navigated the social shifts leading up to the French Revolution.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. two bends wavy sa. on a chief gu. three bezants, for CLEMENTS; 2nd and 3rd, per pale indented or and gu., for BERMINGHAM”
LeitrimLeitrim, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Clements arms are recorded
The Clements arms were recorded in Leitrim, c. 1645.
Leitrim was poor, narrow Irish country of lake and mountain. Its landed families were few, but those who held ground held it for a very long time.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in France when the Clements arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Leitrim.
Origin & History of the Clements Family in Ireland
The Clements family name has deep roots in Ireland, particularly within County Leitrim, where records confirm their presence by 1645. The name itself is derived from the Latin word *clemens*, which means merciful or gentle. During the seventeenth century, members of the family established themselves as significant landowners and political figures in the region. As the family grew in influence, they became deeply involved in the administration and local governance of the area. Their history in Leitrim reflects the broader patterns of land settlement and social change that defined Ireland during this period. By integrating into the local community, the family helped shape the development of the county for generations to come.
Clements Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Clemens
Latin word meaning merciful, gentle, or mild in temperament.
This name
ClementsDerived from a medieval personal name signifying a person of mild or merciful character.
also spelled
Klements
Clemmens
Clementes
Clementt
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. La douce Bretagne. 2008
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine. Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil. 1783
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
