Map of France showing where the Martin arms are recorded
The Martin arms were recorded in France, c. 1613.
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 XIII of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIII of France
1610–1617
Reigning in France when the Martin 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 Martin Family in France
The surname Martin is deeply rooted in the history of France, originating from the Latin name Martinus, which honors Saint Martin of Tours. Because Saint Martin was one of the most popular religious figures in medieval Europe, the name became widespread across the French countryside as a way to honor his legacy. By the time records place members of the family in the region of Bretagne in 1613, the name had already been established for centuries as a common identifier for families living in rural parishes. In the context of seventeenth-century Bretagne, the name often belonged to families who were deeply connected to the local agricultural economy and the specific social structures of the province. These early ancestors were part of a long tradition of people who carried the name through generations, helping to shape the cultural and historical landscape of western France long before modern record-keeping became standardized.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Gu. on a chev. or, three bloodhounds pass. sa”
DevonPlymouth · Devon, c. 1577
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Map of England showing where the Martin arms are recorded
The Martin arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1577.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of 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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in France when the Martin 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Martin Family in England
The surname Martin has deep roots in England, evolving from the Latin name Martinus, which honors Saint Martin of Tours. Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, the name became increasingly popular across the British Isles as it spread from France. By the late sixteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Devon. Records from 1577 confirm that members of the Martin family were active participants in the local community during this era of Elizabethan expansion. As the name moved through generations, it became a common fixture in parish registers and legal documents, reflecting the family’s integration into the social and economic life of the English countryside. This long history highlights how a name of ancient origin became firmly woven into the regional identity of southwestern England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Gu. a chev. ar. betw. three mascles or”
DublinDublin, c. 1625
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Map of Ireland showing where the Martin arms are recorded
The Martin arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1625.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in France when the Martin 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Martin Family in Ireland
The surname Martin has deep roots in Ireland, evolving from the Latin name Martinus, which honors Saint Martin of Tours. While the name arrived in Ireland through various waves of migration, it became firmly established in the social fabric of the country by the early seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the Martin family were well-settled in Dublin by 1625, where they participated in the city’s growing commercial and civic life. During this period, the family was part of a broader trend of families navigating the shifting political landscape of Ireland. They often integrated into urban centers, contributing to the development of local trade and administration. Over time, the name became widespread across the island, blending into the diverse cultural heritage of the Irish people while maintaining its distinct historical identity.
Martin Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Martinus
Derived from Mars, the Roman god of war.
This name
MartinRefers to a person associated with the Roman deity of war or someone of martial character.
also spelled
Martyn
Marten
Martyne
Related arms
Leproustsame arms
Oerthelsimilar arms
Reviczky de Revisnyesimilar arms
Martynvariant spelling
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
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille. 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
