A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Godin family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 7596 · Belgian, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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'herm. à trois pals d'azur. Cri: MONTCOORNET!”
Belgiumc. 1737
Where the Godin Arms Were Recorded
Brabant
Map of Belgium showing where the Godin arms are recorded
The Godin arms were recorded in Belgium, c. 1737.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Brabant.
Brabant lay at the heart of the Low Countries, where the trade routes met. Its towns were wealthy and its landowners many, and both kinds of family kept arms, which is why the region is so heavily represented.
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 Belgium in this period.
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
1711–1740
Reigning in Belgium when the Godin arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Belgium
In Belgium, a coat of arms is considered personal property that is passed down through the male line to legitimate descendants. Families often use the same shield design across generations to show their shared heritage. If a branch of the family wants to change the design, they must apply for an official update to their specific version of the arms.
Granting authority
The Conseil héraldique is the official body that regulates and approves all coats of arms in Belgium.
How they got arms
Families obtain their coats of arms through formal royal grants or by confirming their historical right to use existing designs.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms are officially recorded in the public registers of the Conseil héraldique since 1844.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Belgium.
Origin & History of the Godin Family in Belgium
The surname Godin has deep roots in the historical region of Brabant, where records confirm the family was well-established by 1737. The name itself is a diminutive form of the Germanic name Gode, which was often used as a nickname for someone perceived as good or pious. During the eighteenth century, families in this part of Belgium were frequently tied to the local agricultural economy or the growing trade networks that connected Brabant to the rest of Europe. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the region, often appearing in parish registers that tracked births, marriages, and deaths. These early Godin ancestors lived through a time of significant political transition in the Low Countries, moving through periods of Austrian rule that shaped the administrative and cultural landscape of their daily lives. By maintaining their presence in Brabant, the family contributed to the long-standing demographic history of the area, leaving behind a legacy that reflects the common experiences of Belgian families during the late Enlightenment era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
cometA great event foretold, and swift renown
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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'arg. au lion de gu., celui du 1 cont.; au 2 de sin. à une coupe couverte d'or, posée à sen., acc. au canton dextre du chef d'une comète du même; au 3 comme au 2, sauf que la coupe se trouve à dextre et la comète à sen. Sur le tout d'or à l'aigle ép. de sa. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° le lion du 1, iss., entre un vol coupé alt. d'arg. et de gu (ou: la coupe, entre un vol de sin.); 2° une comète d'or; entre deux prob., coupées alt. de sin. et d'or. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'or et de sin.”
Germanyc. 1765
Where the Godin Arms Were Recorded
Bavaria
Map of Germany showing where the Godin arms are recorded
The Godin arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1765.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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 Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Belgium when the Godin arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Godin Family in Germany
The surname Godin has deep roots in the historical landscape of southern Germany, particularly within the region of Bavaria. By the mid-18th century, the family was already established as a recognizable presence in Bavarian society. The name itself likely evolved from ancient Germanic personal names that were popular during the Middle Ages. Families like the Godins often lived in rural communities where they contributed to the local agricultural and civic life of the Holy Roman Empire. As the 1760s approached, members of the family were integrated into the local parish systems, which served as the primary way for the government to track citizens and their property. Their presence in 1765 suggests that they were part of the stable, land-holding class that helped define the social structure of the Bavarian countryside during that era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
feathersWilling obedience and serenity
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Sa. three ostrich feathers or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Godin Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Godin arms are recorded
The Godin arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Belgium when the Godin arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Godin Family in England
The surname Godin has roots that stretch back to medieval Europe, where it functioned as a personal name derived from the Germanic elements for "good" and "friend." By the time the name appeared in the historical record of York in 1620, it had transitioned from a given name into a stable family surname passed down through generations. During the early seventeenth century, York was a bustling center of trade and religious activity, and families like the Godins were often integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes. These early English settlers were part of a period defined by significant social change and urban growth. Their presence in city records suggests they were established members of the community who participated in the daily economic life of Northern England. While the name originated from older continental traditions, its firm placement in York by 1620 marks the beginning of the family’s documented history within the English landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Godo
A Germanic root meaning god or deity.
This name
GodinA diminutive form referring to a descendant of someone named with the god element.
also spelled
Godine
Godinn
Godden
Godon
Godding
Related arms
Goddenvariant spelling
Goddingevariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
State Archives in Belgium (Rijksarchief), Parochieregisters van Brabant (Parish Registers of Brabant)
State Archives in Belgium (Rijksarchief), Burgerlijke Stand (Civil Registration Records)
Debrabandere, Frans, Woordenboek van de familienamen in België en Noord-Frankrijk, 2003
Marynissen, Ann, Repertorium van familienamen in België (1991), 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
cometA great event foretold, and swift renown
feathersWilling obedience and serenity
