A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Lagarde family of France.
Reg. 6657 · French, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
sickleThe harvest, and the reaping of what was sown
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
knightChivalry and service in arms
branchPeace, and new growth
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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.: au 1 de sin. à une sphère d'arg., terrassée du même, acc. à dextre un compas ouv. d'arg., posé en fasce, et à sen. d'un livre ouv. du même, posé sur un rouleau de papier aussi d'arg.; aux 2 et 3 de sa. au chev. d'or, acc. en p. de deux tours du même; au 4 d'azur à un sauvage de carn., couché dans l'eau au nat., parmi des roseaux du même, et appuyé sur une urne renv. d'or.”
LanguedocLanguedoc, c. 1808
Where the Lagarde Arms Were Recorded
Languedoc
Map of France showing where the Lagarde arms are recorded
The Lagarde arms were recorded in Languedoc, c. 1808.
Languedoc stretched across the south of France, a country of small towns, vineyards and old local families. Its gentry were numerous rather than grand, and a great many of them held arms even where their estates were modest.
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.
Napoleon
Sovereign of the period
Napoleon
1804–1814
Reigning in France when the Lagarde 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 Languedoc.
Origin & History of the Lagarde Family in France
The surname Lagarde is a classic example of a topographic name, which means it was originally given to people based on the landscape where they lived. In the French language, the term "la garde" refers to a watchtower, a fortified lookout point, or a protected defensive position. Families who took this name likely lived near such a structure or served as guards for a local lord during the Middle Ages. By the early 19th century, records confirm that the family was well-established in the Languedoc region of southern France. This area was historically significant for its unique culture and its strategic importance between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. The presence of the family in Languedoc by 1808 suggests they were deeply rooted in the local agricultural and social life of the region, likely serving as landowners or skilled workers who helped maintain the stability of their rural communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
warda
A Germanic term meaning to guard, watch, or protect.
This name
LagardeRefers to someone who lived near or worked as a guard at a watchtower or fortification.
also spelled
Lagard
Lagardee
Related arms
Garde (de la) - Dauphinévariant spelling
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 départementales de l'Hérault. État civil, Registres de naissances, mariages et décès de la commune de Montpellier. 1808
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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
sickleThe harvest, and the reaping of what was sown
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
knightChivalry and service in arms
branchPeace, and new growth
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
sickleThe harvest, and the reaping of what was sown
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
knightChivalry and service in arms
branchPeace, and new growth
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
