Map of Belgium showing where the Cossey arms are recorded
The Cossey arms were recorded in Hainaut, c. 1743.
Hainaut sat on the border between France and the Low Countries and was fought over for centuries. Families there held their land under arms and expected to defend it, so a shield was a working thing.
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 VII, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Charles VII, Holy Roman Emperor
1742–1745
Reigning in Belgium when the Cossey 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 Hainaut.
Origin & History of the Cossey Family in Belgium
The family name Cossey has deep historical roots tied to the region of Hainaut, a territory that spans parts of modern-day Belgium and France. By 1743, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this area, which was known for its complex political history and shifting borders between European powers. The name likely evolved from local linguistic traditions, potentially serving as a locative surname that identified an individual by their specific place of origin or residence within the county. During the eighteenth century, families in Hainaut often lived in agricultural or trade-focused communities where surnames became essential for tax records and parish registrations. As the family grew, they participated in the local customs and social structures of the region, helping to shape the identity of the communities they called home.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Constantinus
Latin name meaning constant, steadfast, or enduring.
This name
CosseyA patronymic or diminutive form derived from the personal name Constantine, signifying a steadfast or faithful individual.
also spelled
Cossey
Cosee
Cosay
Cosie
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives de l'État à Mons, État civil et registres paroissiaux du Hainaut
Dion, R., Histoire des levées de la vallée de la Haine, 1952
Piérard, C., Inventaire des archives de la famille de Hainaut, 1968
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
lionCourage, strength and royalty
