A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Halle family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 4309 · French, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
knightChivalry and service in arms
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“un buste d'homme, posé de profil, hab. de gu., tort. d'arg. et de gu.”
Francec. 1663
Where the Halle Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Halle arms are recorded
The Halle arms were recorded in France, c. 1663.
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 XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Halle 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 Halle Family in France
The surname Halle has deep roots in the historical landscape of France, particularly within the rugged and culturally distinct region of Brittany. By 1663, records confirm that families bearing this name were already established in the area, living as part of the local social fabric during the reign of King Louis XIV. The name itself is often linked to the Old French term for a covered market or a large hall, suggesting that the earliest ancestors may have been merchants, town officials, or people who lived near a central gathering place in a village. As these families settled into the Breton countryside, they became integrated into the local parish life and agricultural economy. This early presence in Brittany reflects a time when families were deeply tied to their specific provinces, helping to shape the unique regional identity that defines the history of northwestern France.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“De gu. à la bande d'arg., ch. de trois boules du champ. C.: un buste d'homme, hab. de gu., tort. d'arg.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
Where the Halle Arms Were Recorded
Bâle
Map of Switzerland showing where the Halle arms are recorded
The Halle arms were recorded in Bâle, c. 1745.
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 Switzerland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Switzerland
In Switzerland, coats of arms were not restricted to the nobility and were often adopted by common citizens and families. These symbols were passed down through generations to show family identity. When branches of a family grew, they often changed small details of the design to distinguish their own line from the original group.
Granting authority
Cantonal and civic authorities managed the use of coats of arms within their specific regions and local jurisdictions.
How they got arms
Families typically assumed their own coats of arms based on local custom rather than receiving them from a central monarch.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in various cantonal and civic registers starting from the fourteenth century throughout the Swiss region.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Switzerland.
Origin & History of the Halle Family in Switzerland
The family name Halle has deep roots in the Swiss city of Bâle, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1745. During the eighteenth century, Bâle was a prominent center for trade and intellectual growth, and families like the Halles often integrated into the local urban economy through craftsmanship or merchant activities. The name itself likely evolved from regional dialects, possibly referring to a person who lived near a large hall or a covered market space. As the family settled into the social fabric of the city, they became part of the unique linguistic and cultural landscape of the Rhine valley. By maintaining a presence in this region for generations, the Halle family contributed to the steady development of the local community during a time of significant political and industrial change in Switzerland.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Erm. two bars gu. the first charged with two, the other with one escutcheons or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Halle Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Halle arms are recorded
The Halle 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 Halle 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 Halle Family in England
The surname Halle is a topographical name that originated in medieval England to describe someone who lived near a large hall or a prominent manor house. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 indicate that members of the Halle family were active participants in the social and economic life of this northern hub. During this period, York served as a vital center for trade and administration, and families like the Halles often held roles that connected them to the local merchant guilds or parish governance. Their residence in such a significant city suggests that they were settled members of the community who contributed to the stability and growth of the region during the transition into the Stuart era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Halle
Old High German word for a covered hall or market building.
This name
HalleA topographic name for someone who lived near a marketplace or a large public building.
also spelled
Hallee
Halleh
Hally
Hales
Halls
Related arms
Kellersimilar arms
Hallvariant spelling
van Hallvariant spelling
Halesvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
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.
knightChivalry and service in arms
knightChivalry and service in arms
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
