A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Goupil family of France.
Reg. 3560 · French, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à trois merlettes d'arg., 2 et 1, et un croiss. du même en p.; au chef d'or.”
FranceTour, c. 1725
Where the Goupil Arms Were Recorded
Tour
Map of France showing where the Goupil arms are recorded
The Goupil arms were recorded in Tour, c. 1725.
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 Goupil 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 Goupil Family in France
The surname Goupil is a traditional French name that originates from the Old French word for a fox. During the Middle Ages, names were often chosen to describe a person’s physical traits or personality, and this name likely served as a nickname for someone who was considered clever or cunning. By the early 18th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Tours, which is located in the heart of the Loire Valley. Records confirm that members of the Goupil family were living and working in this region by 1725. At that time, Tours was a major center for trade and craftsmanship, and families like the Goupils were often integrated into the local urban economy. Over many generations, the name transitioned from a simple descriptive nickname into a permanent family identifier that was passed down through the records of the local parish and civil administration.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Vulpes
Latin term for the animal known as a fox.
This name
GoupilA diminutive form used as a nickname for a cunning or sly person.
also spelled
Goupil
Goopee de Rooeeay
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 d'Indre-et-Loire, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil de la ville de Tours, 1725
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
