Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'or au chev. de gu., acc. de trois coquilles d'azur.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Faivre family of France.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'or au chev. de gu., acc. de trois coquilles d'azur.”
The Faivre arms were recorded in Franche-Comte, c. 1663.
Franche-Comte sat between France and the Empire and changed hands more than once. Border families held their land under arms and expected to defend it, so a shield was a practical thing rather than an ornament.
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.
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.
The surname Faivre is a classic occupational name that originated in the French-speaking regions of Europe. It comes from the Old French word *faivre*, which means blacksmith. During the Middle Ages, families were often identified by the trade they practiced, and a village blacksmith held a vital role in his community. By 1663, records confirm that the Faivre family was well-established in the Franche-Comté region of eastern France. This area was known for its rugged landscape and strong local traditions. Families living there often worked in agriculture or specialized crafts that supported the mountain economy. As the name spread through the region, it became a proud marker of a lineage that provided essential ironwork and tools for their neighbors over many generations.
Latin term for a craftsman, smith, or maker.
