A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Collin family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 6676 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“d'azur aux ailes componées d'or, d'azur et d'arg., tenant un besant d'or.”
Francec. 1663
Where the Collin Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Collin arms are recorded
The Collin arms were recorded in France, c. 1663.
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 XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Collin 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 Collin Family in France
The surname Collin traces its roots back to medieval France as a common diminutive form of the name Nicolas. During the Middle Ages, it was customary for people to shorten popular names to create affectionate nicknames, and Collin emerged as a widespread way to identify individuals within a community. By the time historical records confirm the presence of the family in the region of Bretagne in 1663, the name had already become well-established across various French provinces. Families bearing this name often lived as farmers, artisans, or tradespeople, contributing to the local economy and social structure of their rural parishes. Because the name was linked to a popular saint, it spread naturally through generations as a common identifier rather than being tied to a single noble lineage. This history reflects the broader patterns of how French surnames evolved from personal nicknames into permanent family identifiers during the transition into the early modern period.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Vert, a griffin segreant or, beaked and membered gu. on a chief indented ar. two crosses formée of the third”
NottinghamElton · Nottingham, c. 1620
Where the Collin Arms Were Recorded
Nottingham
Map of England showing where the Collin arms are recorded
The Collin arms were recorded in Nottingham, c. 1620.
Nottinghamshire had coal under it and forest across it, and both were worth money. Families who profited bought manors, and a manor was the ordinary reason for a family to take a coat of arms.
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 Collin 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 Nottingham.
Origin & History of the Collin Family in England
The surname Collin has deep roots in England, where it emerged as a patronymic name derived from a shortened form of the name Nicholas. During the medieval period, it was common for people to adopt names based on their father’s given name, and Collin became a popular choice across various regions. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Nottingham. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Collin family were active participants in the local community during this era. This period was a time of significant social change in England, and families like the Collins were often involved in the growing trade and civic life of developing urban centers. As the name spread across the country, it evolved through different spellings, but it remained tied to its origins as a familial identifier passed down through generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ravenConstancy and divine providence
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. a chev. betw. three ravens close sa. membered az”
WexfordCollinstown · Wexford, c. 1170
Where the Collin Arms Were Recorded
Wexford
Map of Ireland showing where the Collin arms are recorded
The Collin arms were recorded in Wexford, c. 1170.
Wexford was the corner of Ireland closest to Wales, settled early by Norman families. They held their land under arms and kept it for generations, which is why so many Wexford names carry recorded shields.
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.
Henry II of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry II of England
1154–1189
Reigning in France when the Collin 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 Wexford.
Origin & History of the Collin Family in Ireland
The history of the Collin family in Ireland begins during the Norman invasion of 1170. When the Anglo-Norman forces arrived in County Wexford, they brought with them settlers and soldiers who soon established roots in the local landscape. The name Collin is thought to have evolved from a diminutive form of the name Nicholas, which was a popular choice among the Normans. As these families settled into the southeastern corner of Ireland, they integrated into the existing social structure by acquiring land and participating in local administration. Over the following centuries, the family became deeply connected to the region of Wexford, transitioning from their roles as newcomers to becoming a permanent part of the Irish community. This process of settlement helped the name spread throughout the area as the family adapted to the changing political and cultural environment of medieval Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Nicholas
Derived from Greek words meaning victory of the people.
This name
CollinA diminutive form of the name Nicholas, signifying a person of the people's victory.
also spelled
Colin
Collyn
Collen
Collinne
Colyn
Related arms
Colinvariant spelling
Colinsvariant spelling
Colanvariant spelling
Collenvariant spelling
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 d'Ille-et-Vilaine. Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil. 1663
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ravenConstancy and divine providence
