A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gillen family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8147 · French, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
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 à la fasce crén. d'or, acc. en p. d'une étoile du même.”
AuvergneAuvergne, c. 1663
Where the Gillen Arms Were Recorded
Auvergne
Map of France showing where the Gillen arms are recorded
The Gillen arms were recorded in Auvergne, c. 1663.
Auvergne was mountain country in the middle of France, poor in money but thick with old families. Estates were small and held for a very long time, and long tenure counted for more than wealth when it came to arms.
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 XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Gillen 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 Auvergne.
Origin & History of the Gillen Family in France
The history of the Gillen family in France is deeply rooted in the rugged landscape of the Auvergne region. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of the family were already established within this central mountainous area. During the seventeenth century, Auvergne was a place defined by its volcanic terrain and a strong sense of local community. Families like the Gillens often worked as skilled laborers or farmers, contributing to the agricultural life of the province. Because the region was somewhat isolated by its geography, the family likely maintained close ties to their local parish and village traditions for generations. Their presence in the historical record during this period suggests they were part of the steady, hardworking population that helped shape the social fabric of rural France before the major political changes of the following century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à la bande de sin., engoulée de deux têtes de dragon d'or, lamp. de gu., acc. en chef d'une étoile d'or et en p d'une fleur-de-lis d'azur.”
CastileCastile, c. 1722
Where the Gillen Arms Were Recorded
Castile
Map of Spain showing where the Gillen arms are recorded
The Gillen arms were recorded in Castile, c. 1722.
Castile was the heart of Spain and the source of most of its noble families. Land won in the long wars against the Moors was granted out to fighting men, and a man granted land was granted arms along with it.
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 Spain in this period.
Philip V of Spain
Sovereign of the period
Philip V of Spain
1714–1724
Reigning in France when the Gillen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Spain
In Spain, a coat of arms was considered a form of property that belonged to the entire family line. These arms were passed down from a father to all his children equally. Younger branches of the family usually kept the original design without needing to add any special marks to distinguish their specific line.
Granting authority
The Cronista Rey de Armas was the official body that regulated and granted coats of arms throughout Spain.
How they got arms
Families often obtained their arms through royal grants or by proving their noble status to the official heraldic authority.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the registers of the Cronista Rey de Armas starting in 1496.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Castile.
Origin & History of the Gillen Family in Spain
The history of the Gillen family in Spain is deeply rooted in the social landscape of the eighteenth century, particularly within the region of Castile. By 1722, records indicate that members of the family were already established as part of the local population, likely participating in the agricultural or administrative life that defined the Castilian plateau during that era. While the name itself carries linguistic connections to broader European roots, its presence in Spain reflects the movement of families across borders during periods of political and economic change. These early ancestors lived through a time when Spain was transitioning under the Bourbon monarchy, which brought new systems of record-keeping and taxation. By settling in Castile, the family became part of a long tradition of regional identity, contributing to the local community while maintaining the unique heritage associated with their name. Their presence in official documents from this period serves as a testament to their integration into the fabric of Spanish society long before the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gilles
Derived from the Greek word aigidion meaning a young goat or shield.
This name
GillenA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person named Gilles or William.
also spelled
Guilen
Guillan
Geeyen
Gillen
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Puy-de-Dôme, Registres paroissiaux de l'état civil, 1663
Fournier, Gabriel, Le peuplement rural en Basse-Auvergne durant le haut Moyen Âge, 1962
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
