A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Collet family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5319 · Belgian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
spurKnighthood, and readiness to spur on
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Parti: au 1 d'azur au lion d'or, arm. et lamp. de gu.; au 2 de sin. à un éperon colleté d'arg., en pal, la molette en bas.”
BrabantBrabant, c. 1737
Where the Collet Arms Were Recorded
Brabant
Map of Belgium showing where the Collet arms are recorded
The Collet arms were recorded in Brabant, c. 1737.
Brabant lay at the heart of the Low Countries, where the trade routes met. Its towns were wealthy and its landowners many, and both kinds of family kept arms, which is why the region is so heavily represented.
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 Belgium in this period.
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
1711–1740
Reigning in Belgium when the Collet arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Belgium
In Belgium, a coat of arms is considered personal property that is passed down through the male line to legitimate descendants. Families often use the same shield design across generations to show their shared heritage. If a branch of the family wants to change the design, they must apply for an official update to their specific version of the arms.
Granting authority
The Conseil héraldique is the official body that regulates and approves all coats of arms in Belgium.
How they got arms
Families obtain their coats of arms through formal royal grants or by confirming their historical right to use existing designs.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms are officially recorded in the public registers of the Conseil héraldique since 1844.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Brabant.
Origin & History of the Collet Family in Belgium
The family name Collet has deep roots in the region of Brabant, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1737. The name itself is a diminutive form of the name Nicolas, which was a very popular choice for children across Europe during the Middle Ages. In the context of Belgium, the name likely emerged as a way to distinguish individuals within a growing community or to show affection toward a younger family member. By the eighteenth century, families named Collet in Brabant were often integrated into the local agricultural or artisanal economy. These early ancestors lived through a time of significant transition in the Low Countries, as the region moved between different imperial powers. Their presence in official documents from this period suggests they were established members of their local parishes, often appearing in baptismal and marriage registers that tracked the daily lives of common citizens.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. on a chev. betw. three hinds trippant ar. as many annulets of the first”
EnglandLondon, c. 1486
Where the Collet Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Collet arms are recorded
The Collet arms were recorded in London, c. 1486.
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.
Henry VII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VII of England
1485–1509
Reigning in Belgium when the Collet 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 England.
Origin & History of the Collet Family in England
The surname Collet emerged in England as a diminutive form of the name Nicholas, which was a popular choice during the Middle Ages. By the time the name appeared in London records in 1486, families bearing this title were already integrating into the professional and social fabric of the city. Many early individuals with this name worked as skilled tradespeople or merchants, taking advantage of the growing economic opportunities within the capital. As the name spread from London into other regions, it often shifted slightly in spelling due to the way local clerks recorded names phonetically. These early Collets were part of a rising middle class that helped shape the urban development of late fifteenth-century England. Their presence in official documents from this period highlights how the family name became firmly established as a recognized identity within the English population.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Col
A diminutive form of the name Nicholas meaning victory of the people.
This name
ColletA patronymic surname referring to the son or descendant of someone named Nicholas.
also spelled
Colet
Colay
Collyt
Colletre
Related arms
Coletvariant spelling
Villerecorded with Collet, same area
Allenrecorded with Collet, same area
Brookerecorded with Collet, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives: State Archives in Belgium (Rijksarchief), Parish Registers of the Duchy of Brabant (Parochieregisters van het Hertogdom Brabant)
Debrabandere, Frans, Woordenboek van de familienamen in België en Noord-Frankrijk, 2003
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
spurKnighthood, and readiness to spur on
lionCourage, strength and royalty
spurKnighthood, and readiness to spur on
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
