A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Eliot family of France.
Reg. 9430 · French, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ermineDignity and rank
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à la fasce de gu., côtoyée de deux jumellés ondées d'azur (Eliot); aux 2 et 3 de sa. à la fasce d'or, ch. de trois croix recr. d'herm. et acc. de trois étoiles du même (Craggs). C.: 1º une tête d'éléphant d'arg., coll. de gu. (Eliot); 2º deux avant-bras, arm. au nat., lisérés d'or, empoignant ensemble une épée d'arg., garnie d'or (Craggs). S.: deux aigles reg. au nat., la poitrine ch. d'une mouch. d'herm. de sa. D.: PRÆCEDENTIBUS INSTA.”
Francec. 1784
Where the Eliot Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Eliot arms are recorded
The Eliot arms were recorded in France, c. 1784.
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 XVI of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XVI of France
1774–1791
Reigning in France when the Eliot 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 Eliot Family in France
The surname Eliot has deep roots that stretch across centuries and borders, with significant historical evidence placing members of the family in the region of Bretagne by the late 18th century. The name itself is thought to have evolved as a diminutive form of the name Elias, which was a popular choice throughout medieval Europe due to its biblical origins. As the name spread through different regions, it underwent various spelling changes based on local dialects and phonetic habits. By 1784, the family was well-established in the social and administrative fabric of Bretagne, where they participated in the local economy and community life. These early ancestors were part of a broader movement of families who helped shape the cultural identity of the province during a time of great transition in French history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Elijah
Hebrew for Yahweh is my God.
This name
EliotA medieval diminutive form of the name Elijah, often used as a surname.
also spelled
Elliott
Elyot
Ellyot
Elyott
Related arms
Ellyotvariant spelling
Elyotvariant spelling
Elyottvariant spelling
Bollandrecorded with Eliot, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ermineDignity and rank
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ermineDignity and rank
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
