A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Galberth family of France.
Reg. 9436 · French, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur au chev. d'or, acc. en chef de deux croiss. du même. S.: deux lions, au nat. D.: PRO PATRIA VIRTUS.”
Francec. 1725
Where the Galberth Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Galberth arms are recorded
The Galberth arms were recorded in France, c. 1725.
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 XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Galberth 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 Galberth Family in France
The family name Galberth has deep roots in the historical region of Bretagne, where records confirm the presence of family members as early as 1725. During the eighteenth century, this area was a hub of maritime activity and agricultural development, which likely shaped the daily lives of the early Galberth ancestors. Many families in this region were closely tied to the land or the coastal trade, often working as skilled laborers or merchants who helped sustain the local economy. As the family established itself within the community, they became part of the unique cultural fabric of Bretagne, which was known for its distinct language and traditions. Over time, the name persisted through generations, reflecting the resilience of families who navigated the social and economic changes of pre-revolutionary France.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Galbert
Derived from the Germanic elements meaning bright or brilliant pledge.
This name
GalberthA patronymic surname originating from the ancient Germanic personal name signifying a bright or shining promise.
also spelled
Galber
Galbart
Galberth
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série E (État civil et registres paroissiaux)
Le Moyne de La Borderie, Arthur, Histoire de Bretagne, 1896
Meyer, Jean, La noblesse bretonne au XVIIIe siècle, 1966
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
