A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gambini family of France.
Reg. 9102 · French, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'azur au lion d'or, tenant une épée d'arg., garnie d'or; au 2 d'or à une tour de sa., senestrée d'un avant-mur du même; au 3 d'or à deux drapeaux d'azur, ensanglantés de gu., passés en saut.”
Francec. 1725
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Map of France showing where the Gambini arms are recorded
The Gambini 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 Gambini 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 Gambini Family in France
The Gambini family name carries a rich history that is deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of Europe. While the name is often associated with Italian origins, historical records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the region of Bretagne by 1725. During this period, families in Bretagne were frequently involved in local trade, agriculture, and the maritime industries that defined the coastal economy. The presence of the Gambini name in this area suggests a history of migration and integration, as families often moved across borders to pursue new economic opportunities or to escape regional instability. By settling in Bretagne, these early ancestors became part of a unique social fabric, blending their heritage with the traditions of the local population. This transition highlights the adaptability of the family as they navigated the complexities of life in eighteenth-century France.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gamba
Italian word for leg or limb.
This name
GambiniA locative or descriptive surname referring to someone with distinctive legs or a specific gait.
also spelled
Gambyn
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B (Fonds de la juridiction de Rennes)
Archives départementales du Morbihan, Série E (Dépôt des registres paroissiaux)
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Morice, Pierre-Hyacinthe, Histoire ecclésiastique et civile de Bretagne, 1742
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
