Map of France showing where the Hilary arms are recorded
The Hilary arms were recorded in Bretagne, c. 1663.
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 Hilary 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 Bretagne.
Origin & History of the Hilary Family in France
The family name Hilary finds its roots in the Latin name Hilarius, which translates to cheerful or joyful. In the context of France, the name became closely tied to Saint Hilary of Poitiers, a prominent figure who helped shape early religious life in the region. By the middle of the seventeenth century, records confirm that members of the family were well established in the province of Bretagne. During this era, families in Bretagne often lived in close-knit rural communities where they worked as farmers or artisans. The presence of the Hilary name in these historical documents suggests that the family was part of the local social fabric long before the modern era. Because Bretagne maintained a distinct cultural identity during this time, the family likely participated in the unique traditions and regional customs that defined life in western France. These early ancestors helped carry the name through generations, eventually cementing its place in the history of the French countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
orlePreservation, and protection in battle
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. three fleurs-de-lis az. an orle of eight crosslets fitchée sa”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Hilary arms are recorded
The Hilary 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 Hilary 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 Hilary Family in England
The surname Hilary originates from the Latin name Hilarius, which translates to cheerful or joyful. During the Middle Ages, this name became popular across Europe due to the influence of Saint Hilary of Poitiers. As people in England began adopting hereditary surnames, the name evolved into various forms such as Hillary or Hillery. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living and working within this northern hub, which was a center for trade and religious life at the time. These early residents were likely part of the growing urban middle class, contributing to the local economy and social fabric of the city during the reign of King James I.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hilarius
Derived from the Latin word hilaris meaning cheerful or merry.
This name
HilaryA name signifying a joyful, happy, or lighthearted disposition.
also spelled
Hillary
Hylary
Hillarie
Related arms
Hillarievariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B (Archives de la juridiction seigneuriale)
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.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
lionCourage, strength and royalty
orlePreservation, and protection in battle
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
