A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Mathes family of France.
Reg. 3602 · French, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
bridgeOne who joins what was divided
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: au 1 d'azur à une fleur-de-lis d'arg.; au 2 d'arg. à un dragon d'azur, langué de gu.; au 3 d'arg. à un pont de trois arches d'azur, maçonné de sa.; au 4 d'azur à trois coeurs d'arg., rangés en bande. Deux cq. C.: 1º un vol à l'antique, l'aile de derrière d'arg., l'aile de devant aux armes du 1; 2º le dragon iss.”
Francec. 1873
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Map of France showing where the Mathes arms are recorded
The Mathes arms were recorded in France, c. 1873.
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.
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 Mathes Family in France
The surname Mathes is a variant of the name Matthew, which traces its linguistic roots back to the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning gift of God. Over many centuries, the name spread across Europe and evolved into various regional forms as it was adapted by different languages. By the late 19th century, families carrying this name were well-established in the Brittany region of France. In 1873, these individuals were part of a society deeply connected to the land and local maritime traditions. During this period, families in Brittany often lived in tight-knit rural communities where surnames were passed down through generations to maintain a clear sense of lineage and local identity. The presence of the Mathes name in this area reflects the broader movement of families across Western Europe as they settled into distinct provinces and contributed to the unique cultural landscape of the French coast.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Matthias
Derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu meaning gift of God.
This name
MathesA French patronymic surname indicating descent from a person named Matthew.
also spelled
Mathis
Related arms
Mathisvariant spelling
Matthesvariant 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
Archives départementales du Finistère, État civil de la commune de Quimper, 1873
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
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
bridgeOne who joins what was divided
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
bridgeOne who joins what was divided
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
