Map of France showing where the Maheu arms are recorded
The Maheu arms were recorded in Paris, c. 1663.
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 Maheu 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 Maheu Family in France
The family name Maheu is a variant of the name Mahieu, which originated as a diminutive form of the name Mathieu. During the Middle Ages, names often evolved based on local dialects and the way people spoke in different regions of France. By the time members of the family were recorded living in Paris in 1663, the name had already been established for generations as a common surname. Families with this name were typically part of the working class, often serving as artisans, merchants, or laborers who contributed to the growth of the city. Because Paris was a major center for trade and migration, the presence of the Maheu family in the seventeenth century reflects the movement of people seeking new opportunities in the capital. These early ancestors were part of the foundational population that helped shape the social and economic life of Paris during the reign of King Louis XIV.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Matthaeus
Derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu meaning gift of God.
This name
MaheuA French diminutive form of Matthew, signifying a gift or blessing from the divine.
also spelled
Maheux
Maheo
Maheul
Ma-u
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France. 1951
Archives nationales de France, Minutier central des notaires de Paris
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
