A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Grand family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7787 · 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 d'or, acc. de trois étoiles du même.”
ChampagneChampagne, c. 1663
Where the Grand Arms Were Recorded
Champagne
Map of France showing where the Grand arms are recorded
The Grand arms were recorded in Champagne, c. 1663.
Champagne made its money at its great trade fairs, where merchants from across Europe met. Wealth of that kind bought land, and land brought arms, so the region carries a lot of names.
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 Grand 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 Champagne.
Origin & History of the Grand Family in France
The surname Grand originates from the French word for large or tall, and it was often used as a descriptive nickname to distinguish individuals within a community. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of the Grand family were well-established in the Champagne region of France. During this period, the Champagne area was a significant center for agriculture and trade, and families living there were often deeply connected to the local land and parish life. As a name based on a physical trait, it likely emerged during the Middle Ages when surnames became necessary for tax records and legal identification. The family members living in Champagne in the seventeenth century were part of a long tradition of French citizens who helped shape the social and economic fabric of their province long before modern record-keeping systems were standardized.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Vairé or and az. a bend gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Grand Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Grand arms are recorded
The Grand 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 France when the Grand 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 Grand Family in England
The surname Grand has deep roots in the English language, originating as a descriptive nickname used to distinguish individuals of significant stature or importance. By the early 17th century, the name was firmly established in the city of York, where records confirm family members were active residents by 1620. During this period, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration, providing a stable environment for families to build their livelihoods. The name likely evolved from the Old French word grand, which was introduced to England following the Norman Conquest and eventually integrated into common speech to denote someone of great size or high standing. As these families settled in northern England, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the growth of their communities through their daily work and civic participation.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Grandis
Latin term meaning large, tall, great, or full-grown.
This name
GrandA descriptive nickname for a person of large stature or significant importance.
also spelled
Grant
Graund
Graunde
Related arms
Grantvariant spelling
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 de la Marne. Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil. 1663
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
