Map of Belgium showing where the Herve arms are recorded
The Herve arms were recorded in Belgium, c. 1737.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Brabant.
Brabant lay at the heart of the Low Countries, where the trade routes met. Its towns were wealthy and its landowners many, and both kinds of family kept arms, which is why the region is so heavily represented.
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 Belgium in this period.
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
1711–1740
Reigning in Belgium when the Herve arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Belgium
In Belgium, a coat of arms is considered personal property that is passed down through the male line to legitimate descendants. Families often use the same shield design across generations to show their shared heritage. If a branch of the family wants to change the design, they must apply for an official update to their specific version of the arms.
Granting authority
The Conseil héraldique is the official body that regulates and approves all coats of arms in Belgium.
How they got arms
Families obtain their coats of arms through formal royal grants or by confirming their historical right to use existing designs.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms are officially recorded in the public registers of the Conseil héraldique since 1844.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Belgium.
Origin & History of the Herve Family in Belgium
The family name Herve has deep roots in the historical region of Brabant, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1737. The name itself is derived from the ancient Germanic name Hariwald, which translates to army ruler. Over many centuries, this name evolved through various local dialects before settling into the form recognized today. During the eighteenth century, families in the Brabant region were often tied to the land and local trade, serving as the backbone of the rural economy. As the family grew in this area, they became part of the social fabric of the Low Countries, navigating the complex political changes that defined the region under various European powers. By maintaining a presence in Brabant during this era, the early Herve family members participated in the steady development of local communities that eventually shaped modern Belgium.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. de trois étoiles du même.”
DauphineDauphine, c. 1663
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of France showing where the Herve arms are recorded
The Herve arms were recorded in Dauphine, c. 1663.
Dauphine lay in the mountains of south-eastern France, a country of small estates and scattered valleys. Its gentry were many and mostly modest, and even a small landholding was enough to justify 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 France in this period.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in Belgium when the Herve 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 Dauphine.
Origin & History of the Herve Family in France
The family name Hervé traces its roots to the ancient Germanic name Hariwald, which translates to army ruler. Over many centuries, this name evolved through the French language and became a common given name before eventually transitioning into a hereditary surname. By the middle of the seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in the Dauphiné region of southeastern France. This mountainous area was a significant province during the 1600s, serving as a gateway between the French kingdom and the Italian states. Families living in this region often worked as skilled tradespeople or landowners who were deeply integrated into the local community life of the alpine valleys. The presence of the Hervé name in the 1663 records of Dauphiné suggests that the family was well-settled and active in the social and economic structures of rural France long before the major political upheavals of the following century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Harigawi
A Germanic compound meaning army and battle or strife.
This name
HerveDerived from a Breton saint, it signifies a battle-worthy or army warrior.
also spelled
Hervy
Hervay
Harvey
Related arms
Hervyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Smet, A., Geschiedenis van Brabant, 1975
State Archives in Belgium (Rijksarchief), Parochieregisters van Brabant (1700-1800)
Fruin, R., De geschiedenis van de Nederlanden, 1920
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
