A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Lafferty family of France.
Reg. 6587 · French, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Parti: au 1 fascé d'arg. et de sa. de quatre pièces, chaque fasce de sa. ch. d'une étoile d'arg.; au 2 d'azur à une tête et col de cerf d'arg., ramée de gu. Cq. cour. C.: la tête de cerf. L. d'arg. et d'azur. S.: deux cerfs d'arg., ramés de gu.”
Francec. 1725
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 Lafferty arms are recorded
The Lafferty arms were recorded in France, 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 Lafferty 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 Lafferty Family in France
The family name Lafferty carries a rich history that traces back to the Gaelic roots of Ireland, specifically derived from the name Ó Flaithbheartaigh. This name translates to mean the descendant of the bright ruler or the prince. While the name is deeply tied to the western regions of Ireland, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in the province of Bretagne, France, by 1725. During this era, many Irish families moved to France due to political and religious instability at home. These families often integrated into local society while maintaining their distinct cultural identity. By settling in Bretagne, the ancestors of the family became part of a unique maritime culture that connected the Atlantic coast of France to their Irish origins. This migration highlights the resilience of the family as they adapted to a new language and environment while preserving their heritage.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Flaithbheartach
A Gaelic compound meaning bright or shining ruler.
This name
LaffertyDerived from an Irish personal name signifying a person who is a generous or valiant prince.
also spelled
Lafferte
Lafferd
Laffertt
Lafert
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Woulfe, Patrick, Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames, 1923
Archives départementales du Finistère, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1725
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
