Map of France showing where the Le Beau arms are recorded
The Le Beau arms were recorded in Franche-Comte, c. 1663.
Franche-Comte sat between France and the Empire and changed hands more than once. Border families held their land under arms and expected to defend it, so a shield was a practical thing rather than an ornament.
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 Le Beau 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 Franche-Comte.
Origin & History of the Le Beau Family in France
The surname Le Beau originated in France as a descriptive nickname, likely given to an ancestor who was considered physically attractive or possessed a pleasant personality. By the mid-seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the Franche-Comté region, a territory known for its rugged mountains and complex history between French and Spanish rule. Records from 1663 confirm that members of the family were living in this area during a time of significant social change. As the family grew, they integrated into the local culture of the Jura mountains, likely working in traditional trades common to the region such as farming, forestry, or craft production. The name persisted through generations as a marker of their identity within this distinct borderland, reflecting the linguistic traditions of the French-speaking population of the era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bellus
Latin adjective meaning beautiful, handsome, or fine.
This name
Le BeauA descriptive nickname for a handsome or attractive man.
also spelled
Veau
Levo
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Albert Dauzat, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Archives départementales du Doubs, Série B: Cours et juridictions, 1663
Marie-Thérèse Hermann, Le Jura: terre de traditions, 1996
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
