Map of France showing where the Collis arms are recorded
The Collis arms were recorded in Iles-Baléares, c. 1725.
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 XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Collis 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 Collis Family in France
The family name Collis has deep roots in the Brittany region of France, where records confirm members of the family were established by the year 1725. This surname likely originated as a topographic name, which was a common way for people in medieval France to identify themselves based on the land where they lived. In the local dialects of the time, the name was often linked to those who resided near small hills or elevated terrain. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric in Brittany, participating in the agricultural and community life that defined the region during the eighteenth century. Because Brittany was a distinct province with its own unique cultural history, the family name became closely tied to the traditions and regional identity of this coastal area. Over time, the name evolved alongside the shifting borders and administrative changes of the French state, marking the family as a long-standing part of the Breton population.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. a chev. betw. three lions' heads erased gu”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Collis arms are recorded
The Collis arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Collis 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Collis Family in Ireland
The history of the Collis family in Ireland is deeply rooted in the social and political shifts of the seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the family were already established in Dublin, a city that served as the primary hub for administration and trade during a period of intense upheaval. The name itself is thought to be an anglicized version of older Gaelic surnames or a locative name brought over by settlers seeking new opportunities in the capital. As the family integrated into Irish society, they often occupied roles within the merchant classes or local government, which allowed them to build influence in the urban landscape. Throughout the mid-1600s, the family navigated the complex legal and land-ownership changes that defined the era, gradually expanding their presence from the bustling streets of Dublin into the surrounding countryside. This transition from city dwellers to landowners helped the Collis name become a recognized part of the local community for generations to come.
Collis Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Collis
Derived from the Latin word collis meaning a hill or mound.
This name
CollisA topographic name for someone who lived on or near a hill.
also spelled
Colis
Colles
Collas
Collisse
Colly
Related arms
Collasvariant spelling
Collesvariant spelling
Collessvariant spelling
Collyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1725
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France, 1951
Le Moyne de La Borderie, Arthur, Histoire de Bretagne, 1896
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
