A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hoo family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8209 · French, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
ermineDignity and rank
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ec. de sa. et d'arg.; 2° Ec. d'arg. et de sa.; 3° Ec. d'or et de sa.; 4° Ec. de sa. et d'arg., à la bord. d'or semée de mouch. d'herm. de sa.; 5° Ec. de sa. et d'arg., à la bande d'or, br. sur le tout. C.: un griffon iss.; ou, une main tenant un hautbois; ou, un boeuf pass., éc. d'arg. et de sa.”
Francec. 1447
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Map of France showing where the Hoo arms are recorded
The Hoo arms were recorded in France, c. 1447.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
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.
Charles VII of France
Sovereign of the period
Charles VII of France
1422–1461
Reigning in France when the Hoo 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 France.
Origin & History of the Hoo Family in France
The history of the Hoo family in France is deeply connected to the rugged landscape of the Brittany region during the fifteenth century. Historical records confirm that members of this family were established in Bretagne by 1447, a time when the region functioned as a distinct duchy with its own unique political traditions. Families like the Hoo often lived in rural areas where they managed land and participated in the local social hierarchy. Because Brittany was a hub for trade and maritime activity, the family likely benefited from the region's strong connections to both the French mainland and the British Isles. Over time, the name became woven into the local fabric of the province, reflecting the movement of people across the English Channel during the late Middle Ages. By settling in this area, the early members of the family helped shape the agricultural and social life of their community for generations to come.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 circles of chains sa”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Hoo arms are recorded
The Hoo 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 Hoo 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 Hoo Family in England
The name Hoo is rooted in Old English, derived from the word "hoh," which refers to a heel-shaped ridge of land or a projecting spur of a hill. Families often adopted this name because they lived near such a geographical feature, making it a topographical surname that identified their home in the landscape. By the early 17th century, the name was well-established in northern England, with records confirming that members of the Hoo family were living in York by 1620. During this era, York was a vital regional hub, and families like the Hoos were typically involved in the local trade, agriculture, or craft industries that defined city life. Because the name was tied to specific local landmarks, it likely emerged independently in various parts of the country, reflecting the deep connection between early English families and the terrain they inhabited.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hough
Old English term for a spur of land or a hill.
This name
HooA topographic name for someone who lived on or near a prominent hill or ridge.
also spelled
Hooe
Hooo
Ho
How
Howe
Related arms
Hoevariant spelling
Howvariant spelling
Howevariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Potier de Courcy, Pol, Nobiliaire et armorial de Bretagne, 1890
Archives Départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Fonds de la famille de Hoo (série E)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
ermineDignity and rank
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
ermineDignity and rank
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
