Map of France showing where the Lebeau arms are recorded
The Lebeau 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 Lebeau 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 Lebeau Family in France
The surname Lebeau originates from the French language and translates literally to "the beautiful" or "the handsome." During the medieval period, such names were often given as descriptive nicknames to individuals who possessed a striking appearance or a pleasant personality. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of the Lebeau family were firmly established in the Franche-Comté region of eastern France. This area, which borders Switzerland, was a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange during the seventeenth century. Families living in this mountainous province often worked in agriculture, forestry, or local crafts, contributing to the development of the region's unique identity. As the name spread through the area, it became a marker of local heritage for those living in the towns and villages nestled within the Jura Mountains.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bel
Latin root bellus meaning beautiful, handsome, or fine.
This name
LebeauA descriptive nickname for a handsome or beautiful individual.
also spelled
Veau
Levo
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 du Doubs. Série B: Cours et juridictions. 1663
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
