A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Espiritu family of France.
Reg. 4342 · French, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
saltire coupedResolution, and the cross of St Andrew
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'arg. à l'aigle de sa., bq. et m. de gu.; au chef d'azur, ch. de trois flanchis du champ [Jacques Esprit, mort le 6 juillet 1678, membre de l'Académie française.]”
FranceBéziers, c. 1663
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Map of France showing where the Espiritu arms are recorded
The Espiritu arms were recorded in Béziers, 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 Espiritu 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 Espiritu Family in France
The family name Espiritu carries a deep connection to the spiritual and cultural landscape of southern France during the seventeenth century. By 1663, records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of Béziers, a region known for its long history of religious influence and trade. The name itself is derived from the Latin word spiritus, which translates to spirit or breath. In the context of the era, families often adopted names that reflected their devotion to religious concepts or their role within the local church community. Living in Béziers during this time meant the family was part of a vibrant urban center that served as a hub for the Languedoc region. As the family grew, they integrated into the social and economic life of the city, leaving behind traces in local parish registers and administrative documents that highlight their presence in the heart of French history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Spiritus
Latin term referring to breath, soul, or divine spirit.
This name
EspirituDerived from the religious concept of the Holy Spirit, often bestowed to signify spiritual devotion.
also spelled
Espree
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales de l'Hérault, Registres paroissiaux de Béziers (1663)
Puech, Jean-Louis, Histoire de la ville de Béziers, 1840
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
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
saltire coupedResolution, and the cross of St Andrew
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
saltire coupedResolution, and the cross of St Andrew
