A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Giesel family of France.
Reg. 1843 · French, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Coupé: au 1 de sa. au lion léopardé d'or; au 2 échiq. de gu. et d'arg. C.: 1º un bras, paré”
Francec. 1725
Where the Giesel Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Giesel arms are recorded
The Giesel 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 Giesel 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 Giesel Family in France
The surname Giesel carries deep roots that connect to the linguistic shifts of early modern Europe. While the name is often associated with Germanic origins, its presence in the Brittany region of France by 1725 suggests a history of migration and cultural integration. During this period, families frequently moved across borders for trade, military service, or religious reasons, leading to the blending of names into new local dialects. In the context of 18th-century Brittany, a family named Giesel would have navigated a society defined by strong regional traditions and the influence of the French crown. As these individuals settled into their new environment, they likely adapted their customs to fit the local community while maintaining the unique identity tied to their ancestral name. This movement reflects a broader pattern of European history where families sought new opportunities by crossing geographic and cultural boundaries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gisel
Old High German term referring to a hostage or noble pledge.
This name
GieselA topographic or occupational name derived from a pledge or a hostage.
also spelled
Giesel
Giesle
Giesler
Geezl
Geesl
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
Bourgeon, Jean-Luc, Les migrations en Bretagne sous l'Ancien Régime, 1985
Le Roy Ladurie, Emmanuel, Histoire de la France des régions, 2001
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
lionCourage, strength and royalty
