Map of France showing where the Costin arms are recorded
The Costin arms were recorded in Languedoc, c. 1813.
Languedoc stretched across the south of France, a country of small towns, vineyards and old local families. Its gentry were numerous rather than grand, and a great many of them held arms even where their estates were modest.
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.
Napoleon
Sovereign of the period
Napoleon
1804–1814
Reigning in France when the Costin 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 Languedoc.
Origin & History of the Costin Family in France
The surname Costin has deep roots in the southern regions of France, particularly within the historic province of Languedoc. By the early 19th century, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in this area, living through a time of significant social and political change following the French Revolution. The name itself is thought to be derived from older linguistic traditions in the region, likely serving as a descriptive term for ancestors who lived near specific landmarks or held certain roles within their local agricultural communities. Life in Languedoc during 1813 was defined by the rhythms of rural labor and the influence of local customs that had persisted for generations. As these families navigated the Napoleonic era, they remained anchored to the fertile lands of the south, contributing to the cultural fabric of the region through their work and community ties. This period serves as a vital starting point for understanding the family’s long-standing presence in the French countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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 saltire vert on a chief gu. a lion pass of the first”
SalopCoston · Salop, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Costin arms are recorded
The Costin arms were recorded in Salop, c. 1620.
Shropshire lay on the Welsh border, and border country needed men who could fight. Families held their land in return for service, and service in arms is what a coat of arms was originally for.
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 Costin 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 Salop.
Origin & History of the Costin Family in England
The surname Costin has deep roots in the English county of Shropshire, historically known as Salop. By the early 17th century, the family was well-established in this region, as evidenced by records dating back to 1620. The name itself is thought to be a variation of the medieval given name Constantine, which gained popularity across Europe due to the influence of the Roman Empire. Over many generations, the name evolved from a personal identifier into a hereditary surname as families settled into specific parishes and trade communities. Living in the rural landscape of Salop, early members of the Costin family likely worked in agriculture or local crafts, contributing to the steady growth of the regional population during the Stuart period. These ancestors were part of the backbone of English village life, leaving behind a legacy that is preserved in the local church registers and historical land documents of the area.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Constantinus
Derived from the Latin word for constant, steadfast, or firm.
This name
CostinA French surname denoting a person who is resolute, enduring, or faithful in character.
also spelled
Koston
Costone
Costun
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales de l'Hérault, État civil de la commune de Montpellier
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
