A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Goethals family of France.
Reg. 5651 · French, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
Colours
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)
“De gu. à trois bustes de vierge de carn., chevelés d'or, hab. d'azur, posés de face. Cq. cour. C.: un More iss., au nat., tort. d'arg., tenant sa main dextre une branche de rosier, feuillée de sin., fleurie de trois roses de gu. L. d'or et de gu. D.: IN ALS GOET [Dans la branche comtale, l'écu est supporté par deux dragons reg., ailés et à deux pattes d'or, tenant chacun une bannière, celle à dextre d'or aux armes de Mude ou Vermuiden, qui sont d'azur au chev. d'or, acc. de trois étoiles (5) d'arg., celle à sen. aux armes de Nieuwland, qui sont de gu. au chef d'or. Dans la branche baroniale le casque est sans couronne et l'écu est supporté par les dragons, sans bannières.]”
FlandreFlandre, c. 1652
Where the Goethals Arms Were Recorded
Flandre
Map of France showing where the Goethals arms are recorded
The Goethals arms were recorded in Flandre, c. 1652.
Flandre grew rich on cloth, and its towns were among the busiest in Europe. Merchant families bought land with their profits and took arms to go with it, so trade put as many names in the registers here as land did.
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 Goethals 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 Flandre.
Origin & History of the Goethals Family in France
The family name Goethals has deep roots in the historical region of Flanders, which is located in modern-day Belgium. By the year 1652, records confirm that members of the family were well-established residents of this area. The name itself is thought to be a descriptive nickname derived from the Middle Dutch words "goed" and "hals," which translate literally to "good neck." In the context of the Middle Ages, this term was often used as a lighthearted or complimentary way to describe a person with a sturdy or upright physical appearance. As the family grew, they became deeply integrated into the local culture of the Flemish lowlands, participating in the agricultural and civic life that defined the region during the seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Goed Hals
Middle Dutch for good neck or good throat.
This name
GoethalsA nickname for a person with a good or pleasant neck, often implying a cheerful or well-meaning individual.
also spelled
Gothals
Gethals
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Debrabandere, Frans. Woordenboek van de familienamen in België en Noord-Frankrijk. 1993
State Archives in Belgium (Rijksarchief), Parochieregisters (Dopen, Huwelijken, Begrafenissen)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
