A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Massa family of France.
Reg. 8089 · French, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Parti: au 1 d'azur au chev. d'or, acc. de trois roses d'arg.; au 2 d'arg. à un arbre terrassé de sin., accosté de deux lions ramp. et affr. de gu.; au chef d'azur, ch. de trois étoiles d'arg.”
FranceToulouse, c. 1663
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Map of France showing where the Massa arms are recorded
The Massa arms were recorded in Toulouse, 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 Massa 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 Massa Family in France
The surname Massa has deep roots in the Mediterranean region, often linked to the Latin word *massa*, which referred to a large piece of land or an estate. By the mid-seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in the city of Toulouse, France. Records from 1663 confirm that members of the family were living and working within this vibrant cultural hub during the reign of King Louis XIV. At that time, Toulouse was a major center for trade and legal studies, suggesting that the Massa family likely integrated into the professional or merchant classes of the city. As they moved through the region, the family name remained tied to their historical identity as landowners or local administrators who helped shape the development of their community.
Massa Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Massa
Latin term for a lump, mass, or a large estate.
This name
MassaA topographic name for someone who lived on or worked a large farm or estate.
also spelled
Massie
Masia
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives Départementales de la Haute-Garonne, Registres paroissiaux de Toulouse, 1663
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France, 1951
Moréri, Louis, Le Grand Dictionnaire historique, ou le mélange curieux de l'histoire sacrée et profane, 1759
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
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
lionCourage, strength and royalty
