A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Espie family of France.
Reg. 7892 · French, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
bullValour and generosity
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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'azur à un épi d'or, posé en bande; aux 2 et 3 d'arg. à un boeuf pass. de gu. et au chef de sa. ch. de trois coquilles d'arg.”
LanguedocLanguedoc, c. 1663
Where the Espie Arms Were Recorded
Languedoc
Map of France showing where the Espie arms are recorded
The Espie arms were recorded in Languedoc, c. 1663.
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.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Espie 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 Espie Family in France
The family name Espie traces its roots to the Languedoc region of southern France, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1663. The name is believed to be topographic in origin, likely derived from the Occitan word for a lookout point or a specific type of tree found in the local landscape. During the seventeenth century, families in this area were often deeply connected to the land and local agricultural traditions. As the region experienced significant social and religious shifts during this era, the Espie family maintained a presence in the rural communities of the south. Over time, the name became a distinct identifier for those living within the Languedoc province, marking their long-standing ties to the history and culture of the French countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Espic
Derived from the Latin word episcopus meaning overseer or bishop.
This name
EspieA topographic or occupational name referring to someone who lived near or served a bishop.
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales de l'Hérault, Registres paroissiaux et état civil
Boutaric, Edgard, La France sous Philippe le Bel, 1861
Nègre, Ernest, Toponymie générale de la France, 1990
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
bullValour and generosity
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
bullValour and generosity
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
