Map of France showing where the Herpin arms are recorded
The Herpin arms were recorded in Berry, c. 1663.
Berry was central French farming country, quiet and long-settled. Its estates were modest and stayed in the same hands for centuries, and steady landholding of that kind is exactly what puts a name into the heraldic records.
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 Herpin 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 Berry.
Origin & History of the Herpin Family in France
The family name Herpin traces its roots back to the historic province of Berry in central France. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this region, which was known for its fertile plains and deep agricultural traditions. The name itself is thought to be a variation of the ancient Germanic name Harpin, which was often used during the Middle Ages. Families with this name were typically part of the local social fabric, often working as landowners or skilled tradespeople who contributed to the development of the Berry countryside. As the family grew, they remained closely tied to the local parishes and rural communities of the area, maintaining a steady presence in the region for generations. This long history in Berry suggests that the Herpin family was deeply integrated into the local culture and economy long before the turn of the eighteenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hardwin
Derived from Germanic elements meaning brave or hardy friend.
This name
HerpinA patronymic surname originating from the Old French personal name Herpin, signifying a courageous companion.
also spelled
Herpin Coudray
Herpin du Coud
Herpin du Coudraye
Herpin
Herpin du Coodray
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Cher, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1663
Albert Dauzat, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France, 1951
Marie-Thérèse Morlet, 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.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
maunchThe lady's sleeve, worn as a favour
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
maunchThe lady's sleeve, worn as a favour
