Map of France showing where the Lillie arms are recorded
The Lillie arms were recorded in Nortège, 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 Lillie 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 Lillie Family in France
The history of the Lillie name in France is deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of the Brittany region during the early eighteenth century. By 1725, records indicate that families bearing this name were established within the local communities of Bretagne, a province known for its distinct traditions and maritime connections. During this era, the name likely functioned as a descriptor for individuals living near specific landmarks or as a variation of regional surnames common to the northwestern coast of France. Families in this area often lived in close-knit parishes where life revolved around agriculture and local trade. As these early members settled into the social fabric of the region, they contributed to the long-standing history of the Breton people. Their presence in the official records of the time highlights a period of stability and growth for the family as they navigated the complexities of life in pre-revolutionary France.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lilyPurity and the promise of resurrection
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Per chev. ar. and gu. three lilies counterchanged”
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 Lillie arms are recorded
The Lillie 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 Lillie 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 Lillie Family in England
The surname Lillie has roots that stretch back into the medieval period of England, where it likely functioned as a descriptive nickname for a person with a fair complexion or a gentle 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 Lillie family were active participants in the social and economic life of this northern hub during the reign of King James I. As York was a major center for trade and religious administration at the time, families living there were often involved in the local merchant guilds or the parish life of the city’s many ancient churches. Through these records, we can see the Lillie family integrated into the fabric of English society long before the era of modern industrialization. Their presence in such a prominent city suggests they were part of the growing middle class that helped shape the local culture and history of Northern England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lilyPurity and the promise of resurrection
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. three lilies ar”
RoscommonDrimdoe Castle · Roscommon, c. 1645
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 Ireland showing where the Lillie arms are recorded
The Lillie arms were recorded in Roscommon, c. 1645.
Roscommon was midland Irish grazing country, held by old Irish families before the plantations and by settlers after. Both sorts held land, and holding land is what brought 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in France when the Lillie arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Roscommon.
Origin & History of the Lillie Family in Ireland
The history of the Lillie family in Ireland is deeply rooted in the mid-seventeenth century, specifically within County Roscommon. By 1645, records indicate that members of the family were already established in this region, a time defined by significant political and social upheaval across the island. The name itself is often associated with English or Scottish origins, suggesting that the family likely arrived in Ireland during the period of plantation and settlement that reshaped the Irish landscape during the 1600s. Settling in Roscommon placed the family in the heart of Connacht, an area that was then undergoing major changes in land ownership and local governance. Over the following generations, the family integrated into the local community, transitioning from newcomers to established residents who navigated the complex economic and religious shifts of the era. Their presence in the historical record serves as a window into the broader movement of people who crossed the Irish Sea to build new lives during a transformative period in Irish history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Lilium
Latin word for the lily flower.
This name
LillieDerived from the flower name, symbolizing purity, innocence, and beauty.
also spelled
Lilly
Lylly
Lily
Lillye
Lyly
Related arms
Lillyvariant spelling
Lylyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives Départementales du Finistère, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1725
Archives Départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B: Cours et juridictions, 1725
Gautier, Hervé, Histoire de la Bretagne, 1998
Le Moyne de La Borderie, Arthur, Histoire de Bretagne, 1905
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lilyPurity and the promise of resurrection
