A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gravina family of France.
Reg. 7350 · French, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ec.: au 1 d'or à l'aigle ép. de sa., bq., m. et diadémée du champ; au 2 de gu. à deux pals d'or; au 3 de gu. à trois fasces d'arg.; au 4 coupé: a. d'azur semé de fleurs-de-lis d'or; b. d'arg. à la croix de Jérusalem d'or. A la croix d'arg., br. sur les écartelures. Sur le tout éc.: a. et d. bandé de gu. et d'arg., au chef d'arg. ch. d'une rose de gu., ce chef soutenu d'un autre chef d'or, ch. d'une anguille au nat. en fasce; b. et c. d'or à un ours ramp. de sa., coll. et bouclé d'arg. S.: deux ours de sa., lamp. de gu. Manteau de gu., frangé d'or, doublé d'herm., sommé d'une couronne princière.”
Francec. 1725
Where the Gravina Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Gravina arms are recorded
The Gravina arms were recorded in France, c. 1725.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 Gravina 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 Gravina Family in France
The family name Gravina has deep roots that trace back to the rugged landscapes of southern Italy, specifically the town of Gravina in Puglia. Historically, the name functioned as a locative surname, meaning it was originally used to identify individuals by the place where they lived or held land. Over many generations, members of the family migrated across Europe, seeking new opportunities and establishing themselves in different regions. By the year 1725, records confirm that members of the Gravina family had settled in the province of Bretagne in France. During this period, families often moved due to shifting political boundaries or the pursuit of trade, and the presence of the Gravina name in western France highlights how far the lineage had traveled from its Mediterranean origins. This movement reflects a broader pattern of European families integrating into new societies while maintaining the identity passed down through their name.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gravis
Latin term meaning heavy, serious, or grave in nature.
This name
GravinaRefers to a person from a heavy or serious place, likely a topographical location.
also spelled
Ursini
Gravina
Ursini-Gravina
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille. 1991
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
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
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
