A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Grosjean family of France.
Reg. 7934 · French, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“D'azur au chev. d'or, acc. en chef à dextre d'un croiss. aussi d'or et à sen. d'une quintefeuille du même, et en p. d'une croisette de gu.”
Franche-ComteFranche-Comte, c. 1663
Where the Grosjean Arms Were Recorded
Franche-Comte
Map of France showing where the Grosjean arms are recorded
The Grosjean arms were recorded in Franche-Comte, c. 1663.
Franche-Comte sat between France and the Empire and changed hands more than once. Border families held their land under arms and expected to defend it, so a shield was a practical thing rather than an ornament.
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 Grosjean 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 Franche-Comte.
Origin & History of the Grosjean Family in France
The surname Grosjean is a classic example of a French patronymic name that evolved from a nickname. It is formed by combining the word gros, meaning large or big, with the name Jean, which is the French equivalent of John. Historically, this name was likely used to distinguish a person named Jean from others in the same village, perhaps to describe someone of significant physical stature or a prominent personality. By 1663, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in the Franche-Comté region of eastern France. This area was known for its rugged landscape and long history of independent spirit, nestled between the Jura Mountains and the Saône River. Families in this region during the seventeenth century often worked as farmers, craftsmen, or foresters, living in tight-knit communities where names were passed down through generations to maintain local identity.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Johannes
Hebrew origin meaning God is gracious.
This name
GrosjeanA diminutive form meaning little John or the son of John.
also spelled
Grosjant
Grosjain
Grozhon
Grosjane
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
Archives départementales du Doubs, Registres paroissiaux de Franche-Comté, 1663
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cinquefoilHope and joy
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cinquefoilHope and joy
