Map of France showing where the Leverett arms are recorded
The Leverett arms were recorded in Boston, 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 Leverett 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 Leverett Family in France
The history of the Leverett name in France is deeply tied to the rugged landscape and distinct culture of the Bretagne region. By 1725, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this northwestern corner of the country. The name itself likely originated as a descriptive nickname, as the French word *lièvre* refers to a hare, suggesting that early ancestors may have been known for their speed, agility, or perhaps their skill in hunting. Living in Bretagne during the early 18th century placed the family within a society that valued local traditions and maritime connections. While the family remained rooted in their provincial life, the name persisted through generations as they navigated the social and agricultural changes of the era. Their presence in regional documents from this time provides a clear link to the historical fabric of the Breton countryside long before the name spread to other parts of the world.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Gyronny of eight or and sa. over all an eagle volant gu”
Englandc. 1620
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 England showing where the Leverett arms are recorded
The Leverett arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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 Leverett 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 Leverett Family in England
The surname Leverett is a locative or descriptive name that emerged in medieval England, likely evolving from the Old French word "levret," which refers to a young hare. This name was often used as a nickname for a person who was quick, agile, or perhaps timid in nature. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Leverett family were active participants in the social and economic life of this northern hub. During this era, York served as a vital center for trade and governance, and families like the Leveretts contributed to the city's growth before many of their descendants eventually sought new opportunities across the Atlantic. The name reflects a long history of migration and social integration within the English landscape.
Leverett Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Levraut
Derived from the Old French word for a young hare.
This name
LeverettA nickname for a person who was swift or timid like a young hare.
also spelled
Leveret
Leverete
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives Départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1725
Pitre-Chevalier, La Bretagne ancienne et moderne, 1844
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
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
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
