A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dalzell family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2861 · French, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
knightChivalry and service in arms
Colours
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)
“De sa. à un homme nu de carn., posé de front, les bras étendus. C.: un poignard d'arg., garni d'or. T.: deux chevaliers, arm. de toutes pièces, tenant chacun un bouclier et une lance. D.: I DARE.”
Francec. 1628
Where the Dalzell Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Dalzell arms are recorded
The Dalzell arms were recorded in France, c. 1628.
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 XIII of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIII of France
1617–1643
Reigning in France when the Dalzell 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 Dalzell Family in France
The history of the Dalzell family in France is deeply connected to the region of Bretagne during the early seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the family were established in this coastal province by 1628, a time when the area served as a vital hub for trade and military movement. While the name is often associated with Scottish roots, its presence in France suggests that family members were likely involved in the active exchange of goods or diplomatic service between the two nations. Living in Bretagne allowed the family to integrate into the local social structure while maintaining their distinct identity. This period marked a transition for the family as they navigated the complex political landscape of western France. Their ability to settle in such a prominent region indicates that they were well-regarded and capable of adapting to a new cultural environment.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
knightChivalry and service in arms
Colours
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)
“Sa. a naked man with arms extended ppr”
LanarkDalzell · Lanark, c. 1748
Where the Dalzell Arms Were Recorded
Lanark
Map of Scotland showing where the Dalzell arms are recorded
The Dalzell arms were recorded in Lanark, c. 1748.
Lanarkshire ran along the upper Clyde, farming country with coal beneath it. Its landed families were long-established, and long establishment is what brought them into the register.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in France when the Dalzell arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Lanark.
Origin & History of the Dalzell Family in Scotland
The name Dalzell finds its deepest roots in the ancient landscape of Lanarkshire, Scotland. Historians believe the name is derived from the Gaelic words for a white meadow, which suggests that the earliest members of the family were likely farmers or landowners who lived near a distinct local landmark. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family had established a firm presence in the town of Lanark. During this era, Lanark was a bustling center for trade and agriculture, providing a stable environment for families to grow and contribute to the local economy. While many families moved frequently during this time, the Dalzells remained connected to the region, helping to shape the community through their work and daily lives. This long-standing association with the Scottish Lowlands reflects a history of resilience and deep ties to the land that defined their early identity.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dalziel
Gaelic term meaning white meadow or field.
This name
DalzellA locational surname originating from a Scottish parish, derived from the Gaelic words for white and field.
also spelled
Dalzel
Dee-ell
Dalyell
Dalziel
Related arms
Dalyellvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d’Ille-et-Vilaine, Série E: Familles, seigneuries et terres
Poterie, Hyacinthe, Histoire généalogique de la Bretagne, 1640
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
knightChivalry and service in arms
knightChivalry and service in arms
