A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fouché family of France.
Reg. 3272 · French, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
ermineDignity and rank
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
columnFortitude and constancy
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur à une colonne d'or, accrolée d'un serpent du même, ch. de cinq mouch. d'herm. d'arg., 2, 2 et 1; au chef de gu. semé d'étoiles d'arg.”
Francec. 1809
Where the Fouché Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Fouché arms are recorded
The Fouché arms were recorded in France, c. 1809.
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.
Napoleon
Sovereign of the period
Napoleon
1804–1814
Reigning in France when the Fouché 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 Fouché Family in France
The surname Fouché is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of western France, particularly within the region of Brittany. The name is believed to have originated as a descriptive term or a nickname, likely derived from the Old French word "fouchier," which referred to someone who worked with a scythe or was involved in agricultural clearing. By the early 19th century, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established residents of Brittany. During this period, the name was associated with families who played active roles in the local community, ranging from skilled tradespeople to landowners. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the region, contributing to the local economy and the distinct cultural identity of the Breton people.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Foulques
Derived from the Germanic elements for people and guard or protector.
This name
FouchéA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person named Foulques, meaning guardian of the people.
also spelled
Fouchee
Foshay
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
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, État civil et registres paroissiaux, 1809
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
ermineDignity and rank
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
columnFortitude and constancy
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
ermineDignity and rank
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
columnFortitude and constancy
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
