Map of France showing where the Jolly arms are recorded
The Jolly arms were recorded in Ile-de-France, c. 1663.
Ile-de-France is the country around Paris, and proximity to the court mattered. Families who served the crown were rewarded with land near it, and land near the capital carried arms almost as a matter of course.
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 Jolly 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 Ile-de-France.
Origin & History of the Jolly Family in France
The surname Jolly finds its roots in the French language, where it originated as a descriptive nickname for a person with a cheerful or lively personality. By the time historical records confirm the presence of the family in the Île-de-France region in 1663, the name had already become well-established among the local population. During this period, families in the area often lived in rural parishes where they worked as farmers or skilled tradespeople. The name was passed down through generations as the family integrated into the social fabric of the French countryside. Because the region surrounding Paris was a center for trade and administration, the Jolly family likely benefited from the stability of the local economy. Over time, the name spread from these early settlements as family members moved to different provinces in search of new opportunities or land.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. three stags lodged gu”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Jolly arms are recorded
The Jolly arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Jolly 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 Jolly Family in England
The surname Jolly emerged in England during the Middle Ages as a descriptive nickname, likely used to identify someone with a cheerful or lively personality. By the time members of the family were documented in London in 1620, the name had already become well-established across various English counties. During this period, the Jolly family was part of the growing urban population that helped shape the capital city during the early seventeenth century. As the name spread, it evolved from a simple personal descriptor into a formal family identifier passed down through generations. These early ancestors lived through a time of significant social change in England, eventually contributing to the diverse cultural landscape of London as it transitioned into a major global center.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. an ark in the water ppr. surmounted by a dove az. standing thereon and holding in the beak an olive branch vert, all betw. three gillyflowers gu. stalked and leaved of the fourth”
Scotlandc. 1690
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Map of Scotland showing where the Jolly arms are recorded
The Jolly arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1690.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
Mary II of England
Sovereign of the period
Mary II of England
1689–1694
Reigning in France when the Jolly arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Jolly Family in Scotland
The surname Jolly has long been associated with the vibrant social history of Scotland, particularly within the bustling streets of Edinburgh. By the year 1690, records confirm that members of the family were well-established residents of the capital city. The name itself likely originated as a descriptive nickname, often used in the Middle Ages to identify someone with a cheerful or lively personality. As the family settled into Scottish life, they integrated into the local economy and community structures of the late seventeenth century. During this period, Edinburgh was a center of rapid change and intellectual growth, and the Jolly family lived through a time when the city was evolving into a major hub for trade and law. Their presence in the city archives during this era suggests that they were part of the growing urban middle class that helped shape the identity of modern Scotland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Jolif
Old French term meaning pretty, lively, or festive.
This name
JollyA nickname for a cheerful, merry, or pleasant person.
also spelled
Jolie
Jolley
Jollie
Jolys
Related arms
Jolleyvariant spelling
Jollievariant spelling
Jolysvariant spelling
Purlingrecorded with Jolly, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Archives nationales de France, Minutier central des notaires de Paris, Series Y
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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
