A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the De La Mota family of France.
Reg. 5534 · French, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cross symbolChristian faith and service
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: au 1 d'or à une tour sommée d'une tourelle d'arg. et une bord. du même, ch. de huit flanchis de gu.; au 2 de gu. à un arbre d'or, senestré d'un lévrier pass. d'arg., le tout soutenu d'une terrasse d'or; au 3 de gu. à la croix d'Alcantara d'arg.; au 4 d'or à trois coquilles d'azur.”
Francec. 1725
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Map of France showing where the De La Mota arms are recorded
The De La Mota arms were recorded in France, 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 De La Mota 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 De La Mota Family in France
The family name De La Mota carries a rich history rooted in the landscape of medieval Europe. The term itself is derived from the Old French and Occitan word "mota," which referred to a fortified mound or a small hill where a castle or defensive tower was built. Families who adopted this name were often associated with these strategic locations, suggesting that early ancestors were likely landholders or individuals tasked with guarding important regional strongholds. By the year 1725, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the region of Bretagne. During this period, the family integrated into the local social fabric of northwestern France, likely participating in the agricultural and administrative life of the province. Their presence in Bretagne indicates a transition from their origins as keepers of defensive mounds to becoming part of the settled population in one of France’s most culturally distinct regions.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Motta
A mound, hill, or fortified earthwork.
This name
De La MotaRefers to someone who lived near a prominent hill or a fortified mound.
also spelled
Delamota
Mota-Biscaye
Mota de la Biskay
Mota
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France. 1951
Morvan, Françoise. Bretagne est une province. 2007
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cross symbolChristian faith and service
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cross symbolChristian faith and service
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
