A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cossart family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 7493 · Dutch, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“De sin. à une licorne saillante, acc. de trois fleurs-de-lis et d'un soleil mouv. du canton sen. du chef, le tout d'or.”
NetherlandsRotterdam, c. 1815
Where the Cossart Arms Were Recorded
Rotterdam
Map of Netherlands showing where the Cossart arms are recorded
The Cossart arms were recorded in Rotterdam, c. 1815.
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.
Region
Rotterdam
Town
Rotterdam
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Cossart Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Cossart arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Netherlands.
Origin & History of the Cossart Family in Netherlands
The Cossart family name has deep roots that trace back to the bustling port city of Rotterdam during the early nineteenth century. By 1815, records confirm that members of the family were already established residents within this important Dutch trading hub. The name itself is believed to have French origins, likely arriving in the Netherlands as part of the migration patterns of Huguenots or other groups seeking new opportunities in Europe. As Rotterdam grew into a major center for international commerce, the Cossart family integrated into the local economy and social fabric of the city. Their presence in the Dutch archives during this period reflects the broader movement of families across borders during a time of significant political and social change in Europe. This early chapter in Rotterdam highlights how the family became a part of the diverse and industrious population that defined the city during the post-Napoleonic era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
savages head affrontyAn enemy overcome
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'arg. au chev. d'azur, acc. en chef de deux poires tigées et feuillées de sin. et en p. d'une tête de More, tort. du champ.”
NormandieNormandie, c. 1663
Where the Cossart Arms Were Recorded
Normandie
Map of France showing where the Cossart arms are recorded
The Cossart arms were recorded in Normandie, c. 1663.
Normandie held a dense crowd of knightly families on some of the best farmland in France. Its men had fought and settled abroad for generations, and a family that sent sons to war needed a shield they could be recognised by.
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 Netherlands when the Cossart 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 Normandie.
Origin & History of the Cossart Family in France
The family name Cossart finds its deep roots in the northern regions of France, with historical records confirming the presence of family members in Normandy by the year 1663. The name is believed to be derived from the Old French word "cossart," which was a descriptive term used to identify a person who worked as a dealer or a merchant. During the seventeenth century, Normandy was a hub of agricultural activity and trade, providing a logical environment for families associated with this profession to settle and grow. As the family established itself in the region, they became part of the local social fabric, navigating the complex economic shifts of the French countryside. By documenting their presence in parish registers and local administrative papers, these early ancestors left a clear trail of their life in the province before many later generations began to spread across the globe.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
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 bend betw. two demi lions ramp. sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Cossart Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Cossart arms are recorded
The Cossart arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 Netherlands when the Cossart 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 Cossart Family in England
The history of the Cossart family in England begins with their arrival as part of the waves of religious refugees fleeing persecution in mainland Europe during the early seventeenth century. By 1620, records confirm that members of the family had established a presence in the city of York. At this time, York was a bustling center of trade and industry, which provided new opportunities for skilled immigrants to integrate into the local economy. These early settlers often worked as merchants or specialized craftsmen, helping to bring new skills and cultural perspectives to the northern English landscape. Over the following decades, the family name became firmly rooted in the region as they adapted to life in their new home while maintaining their distinct identity. This transition from displaced refugees to established residents reflects the broader historical pattern of families seeking stability and growth in England during a period of significant social change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cossard
Derived from the Old French word for a type of tunic.
This name
CossartAn occupational surname for a maker or seller of tunics or coats.
also spelled
Kossart
Cossard
Cossarte
Cossar
Cosard
Related arms
Cosardvariant spelling
Cossar, or Cosservariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
savages head affrontyAn enemy overcome
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
