A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Giraud family of France.
Reg. 7741 · French, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
wolfReward from long service and hard work
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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'arg. à trois bandes d'azur, la deuxième ch. de trois têtes de loup d'or.”
ProvenceProvence, c. 1586
Where the Giraud Arms Were Recorded
Provence
Map of France showing where the Giraud arms are recorded
The Giraud arms were recorded in Provence, c. 1586.
Provence was old country, with towns dating to the Romans and families who traced their land back nearly as far. Its gentry were many and long-settled, and long settlement is what fills a register.
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.
Henry III of France
Sovereign of the period
Henry III of France
1574–1589
Reigning in France when the Giraud 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 Provence.
Origin & History of the Giraud Family in France
The surname Giraud originates from the ancient Germanic name Gerard, which combines the elements for spear and brave. Over many centuries, this name evolved through various regional dialects in France before settling into its current form. By the year 1586, the Giraud family was firmly established in the Provence region, a historical province in southeastern France known for its distinct culture and Mediterranean landscape. During this era, families in Provence often lived in tight-knit rural communities where they worked as farmers, artisans, or local merchants. The Giraud name became deeply rooted in the social fabric of the region, reflecting the family's long-standing connection to the land and the local traditions of the French countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gerwald
Derived from Germanic elements meaning spear and rule or power.
This name
GiraudA French surname denoting a descendant of one who rules with a spear.
also spelled
Gyraud
Jiro
Girod
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 des Bouches-du-Rhône, Série E (Familles et seigneuries)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
wolfReward from long service and hard work
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
wolfReward from long service and hard work
