Map of France showing where the Herbel arms are recorded
The Herbel arms were recorded in Lorraine, c. 1543.
Lorraine sat on the border between France and the German lands, and border country bred soldiers. Families here held small estates and served in arms, and a fighting man was exactly the sort who carried a shield of his own.
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.
Francis I of France
Sovereign of the period
Francis I of France
1515–1547
Reigning in France when the Herbel 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 Lorraine.
Origin & History of the Herbel Family in France
The family name Herbel traces its roots to the historic region of Lorraine, where members of the family were documented as early as 1543. During this period, Lorraine existed as a semi-independent duchy located between the powerful kingdoms of France and the Holy Roman Empire. The name likely evolved from Germanic linguistic roots, as the area was a crossroads for both French and Germanic cultures. Families in this region often worked as farmers, craftsmen, or local officials who helped manage the land for the Duke of Lorraine. Because the area was frequently affected by shifting borders and regional conflicts, the Herbel family lived through a time of significant social change. By establishing themselves in Lorraine during the sixteenth century, these early ancestors became part of a resilient community that helped shape the local culture and economy of the borderlands for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Herbert
Derived from Germanic elements meaning bright army or glorious soldier.
This name
HerbelA French patronymic or diminutive form originating from the Germanic personal name Herbert.
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bastien, Henri. Histoire de la Lorraine. 1970
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
