Map of France showing where the Hopkinson arms are recorded
The Hopkinson arms were recorded in Philadelphie, c. 1725.
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.
Louis XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Hopkinson 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 Hopkinson Family in France
The history of the Hopkinson name in France begins with a fascinating connection to the region of Brittany during the early eighteenth century. While the name is often associated with English roots, records confirm that family members were established in the province of Bretagne by 1725. During this period, Brittany served as a vital maritime hub, and families living there were frequently involved in the complex trade networks that linked the French coast to the broader Atlantic world. The presence of the Hopkinson name in this region suggests that these individuals were likely part of a mobile population of merchants or skilled professionals who moved between nations for economic opportunity. By settling in a culturally distinct area like Brittany, these early family members navigated a unique social landscape that blended local traditions with the influence of international commerce. Their life in France during the 1700s reflects a time of significant movement, where families often adapted their identities to fit the customs and administrative requirements of their new surroundings.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Az. on a chev. ar. betw. three estoiles or, as many lozenges gu. a bordure of the third”
LincolnAlford · Lincoln, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Hopkinson arms are recorded
The Hopkinson arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Hopkinson 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Hopkinson Family in England
The surname Hopkinson is a patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of someone named Hopkin. The name Hopkin itself is a diminutive form of the name Robert, combined with the affectionate suffix -kin. By the time the family was firmly established in Lincoln by 1620, the name had evolved from a simple description into a fixed hereditary surname passed down through generations. During this period, families often settled in specific regions where they became integrated into the local economy and social structure. In the seventeenth century, Lincoln served as a vital hub for trade and administration, providing a stable environment for families like the Hopkinsons to grow. The presence of the family in this area during the early seventeenth century suggests they were part of the expanding middle class that helped shape the local community and regional history of the English Midlands.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hoppe
A Middle English term for a hop or a lively person.
This name
HopkinsonA patronymic surname meaning son of the little, lively person.
also spelled
Hopkynson
Hopkenson
Hopkyn
Hopkineson
Hopkyneson
Related arms
Asshetonrecorded with Hopkinson, same area
Checkleyrecorded with Hopkinson, same area
Dennyrecorded with Hopkinson, same area
Dickinsonrecorded with Hopkinson, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B (Fonds de la juridiction de Rennes)
Galllouédec, Louis, La Bretagne, 1917
Le Moyne de La Borderie, Arthur, Histoire de Bretagne, 1905
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bordureA difference between branches of one family
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
