A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Littleton family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7708 · French, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. au chev. de sa., acc. de trois coquilles du même. C.: un rencontre de cerf de sa., ramé d'or, ayant entre les cornes un cor-de-chasse d'or, lié de gu. S.: à dextre un cerf au nat., coll. d'or; à sen. un lion de gu., coll. d'une couronne d'or: chacun desdits animaux portant suspendu au collier un écusson d'arg., ch. d'un cor-de-chasse de sa. D.: UNG DIEU ET UNG ROY.”
Francec. 1725
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Map of France showing where the Littleton arms are recorded
The Littleton arms were recorded in France, 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 Littleton 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 Littleton Family in France
The history of the Littleton name in France is deeply tied to the regional identity of Bretagne during the early eighteenth century. By 1725, records indicate that members of the family were established within this coastal province, a region known for its strong cultural independence and distinct maritime traditions. The name likely entered the area through the movement of merchants or political exiles who traveled between the British Isles and the western ports of France. During this period, the family would have integrated into the local social structure by adapting to the French administrative systems and the Breton language spoken by the common people. Living in Bretagne meant navigating a landscape defined by both rugged rural life and busy trade routes, which likely influenced how the family established their roots and livelihood. Their presence in the region serves as a testament to the long history of migration and cultural exchange that defined the relationship between France and its neighbors during the Enlightenment era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
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)
“Ar. two lions pass. gu”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Littleton arms are recorded
The Littleton 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 Littleton 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 Littleton Family in England
The surname Littleton is a locative name, meaning it was originally derived from a specific place in England. The name translates to "little town," which suggests that the earliest ancestors likely lived in or near a small village or settlement. While the name appears in various regions, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of York by 1620. During this period, York was a significant center for trade and administration in Northern England. Families living there often played active roles in the local economy and community life. As the family grew, they contributed to the social fabric of the region, carrying the name forward through generations of English history.
Littleton Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Litel tun
Old English words for small and settlement or enclosure.
This name
LittletonA habitational name referring to someone who lived in a small town or village.
also spelled
Lytleton
Litelton
Littelton
Litlington
Related arms
Lytteltonvariant spelling
Litlingtonvariant spelling
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
Gautier, Hervé, Histoire de la Bretagne, 1998
Le Goff, Jacques, La Bretagne et les pays celtiques, 1986
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
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
lionCourage, strength and royalty
