A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Harnois family of France.
Reg. 9953 · French, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
helmetWisdom and security in defence
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. au chev. d'arg., acc. en p. d'un casque fermé et grillé, du sec., taré de front.”
NormandieNormandie, c. 1663
Where the Harnois Arms Were Recorded
Normandie
Map of France showing where the Harnois arms are recorded
The Harnois arms were recorded in Normandie, c. 1663.
Normandie held a dense crowd of knightly families on some of the best farmland in France. Its men had fought and settled abroad for generations, and a family that sent sons to war needed a shield they could be recognised by.
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 Harnois 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 Normandie.
Origin & History of the Harnois Family in France
The surname Harnois originates from the historic region of Normandy in northern France. During the seventeenth century, the name was associated with families living in this coastal area, where the local economy relied heavily on agriculture and maritime trade. By 1663, records confirm that members of the Harnois family were well-established in the region before some individuals began the long journey to settle in New France. The name itself is thought to be derived from the Old French word *harnois*, which originally referred to protective gear or equipment used by soldiers and travelers. Over time, the term evolved to describe a family line that was likely recognized for their craftsmanship or their role in providing essential supplies to their community. This connection to practical trade and regional identity helped define the family as they transitioned from their ancestral home in Normandy to the developing colonies across the Atlantic.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
harnais
Old French term referring to protective body armor or horse equipment.
This name
HarnoisAn occupational surname for a maker or seller of armor and horse harnesses.
also spelled
Harnoy
Harnoyes
Harnoisy
Harnwah
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Jetté, René. Dictionnaire généalogique des familles du Québec. 1983
Tanguay, Cyprien. Dictionnaire généalogique des familles canadiennes depuis la fondation de la colonie jusqu'à nos jours. 1871
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
helmetWisdom and security in defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
helmetWisdom and security in defence
