Map of France showing where the Graves arms are recorded
The Graves arms were recorded in Languedoc, c. 1663.
Languedoc stretched across the south of France, a country of small towns, vineyards and old local families. Its gentry were numerous rather than grand, and a great many of them held arms even where their estates were modest.
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 Graves 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 Languedoc.
Origin & History of the Graves Family in France
The history of the Graves family in France is deeply connected to the Languedoc region, where records confirm their presence by the year 1663. The name itself likely originated as a topographical descriptor, referring to people who lived near gravelly soil or riverbeds, which were common features of the Mediterranean landscape in southern France. During the seventeenth century, families in this area often lived in tightly knit agricultural communities that relied on the local geography for their livelihoods. As the family established roots in Languedoc, they became part of the complex social fabric of the region, which was then undergoing significant shifts in religious and political authority. Their presence in the historical record during this time suggests they were part of the local population that helped shape the rural economy and community life of the French south.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 l'aigle d'or, cour. du même: au canton d'arg., ch. d'une ancre de sa. Cq. cour. C.: une aigle iss. d'or, enfilée au-dessous des ailes d'une couronne d'arg. S.: deux aigles d'or. D.: AQUILA NON CAPTAT MUSCAS.”
Britainc. 1794
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Map of Britain showing where the Graves arms are recorded
The Graves arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1794.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain in this period.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in France when the Graves arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Graves Family in Britain
The surname Graves is a locative and occupational name that emerged in England during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English word "gerefa," which referred to a person in a position of authority, such as a reeve or a local administrative official. Over time, this title evolved into a hereditary surname as families became identified by the roles their ancestors held within their local communities. By the late 18th century, the name was well-established in the county of Kent. Records from 1794 confirm that members of the Graves family were active in this region, contributing to the local social and economic fabric of the area. This transition from a professional title to a family name reflects the broader patterns of how surnames became fixed in British society as populations grew and record-keeping became more formal.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. an eagle displ. or, ducally crowned ar. on a canton of the last an anchor ppr”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Graves arms are recorded
The Graves 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 Graves 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 Graves Family in England
The surname Graves originated in England as a descriptive name for a person who held a specific position of authority. It is derived from the Middle English word "greve," which referred to a local official, such as a reeve or a bailiff, who managed land or oversaw the affairs of a village. By the time the name became established in records, it was common for families to adopt these occupational titles as permanent surnames. Historical documents confirm that members of the Graves family were well-established in the city of York by 1620. During this period, York was a major center for commerce and administration in Northern England, and families with this name were often integrated into the local civic and professional life of the region. The name reflects a long history of community service and administrative responsibility that dates back to the medieval era.
Graves Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Grava
A Latin term referring to gravel, sand, or a sandy bank.
This name
GravesA topographic name for someone who lived near a gravelly area or riverbank.
also spelled
Grave
Gravess
Gravis
Greaves
Greave
Related arms
Mersimilar arms
Gravesimilar arms
de Gravevariant spelling
Greavesvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales de l'Hérault, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
Le Roy Ladurie, Emmanuel, Les Paysans de Languedoc, 1966
Wolff, Philippe, Histoire du Languedoc, 1967
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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
