Map of France showing where the Durrett arms are recorded
The Durrett arms were recorded in Paris, c. 1663.
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 France when the Durrett 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 Durrett Family in France
The Durrett family name has deep roots in French history, with documented evidence placing members of the family in Paris as early as 1663. The name is believed to be a variation of the French word duret, which served as a descriptive nickname for a person who was considered hardy, firm, or tough in character. During the seventeenth century, families in Paris were often identified by these types of personal traits, which eventually became permanent surnames passed down through generations. As the family grew, they became part of the urban fabric of Paris, living through a period of significant cultural and political change in France. By maintaining their presence in the capital, early Durrett ancestors were positioned at the center of French society, eventually spreading their influence as family members migrated to other regions and countries in the following centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
dur
A Gaulish or Old French term meaning hard or durable.
This name
DurrettA topographic name for someone living near a hard or stony area.
also spelled
Durette
Durett
Durey
Duray
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France. 1951
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
