Map of France showing where the Munce arms are recorded
The Munce arms were recorded in Alsace, c. 1773.
Alsace lay between France and the German lands and belonged to both at different times. Its families held small estates and served whichever side ruled, and men who served in arms carried arms of their own.
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 Munce 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 Alsace.
Origin & History of the Munce Family in France
The history of the Munce family in France is deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of the Alsace region during the eighteenth century. By 1773, family members were well-established in this borderland, a territory that frequently shifted between French and German cultural influences. The name likely evolved from regional dialects common to the Rhine Valley, where surnames were often shaped by local occupations or geographic landmarks. Living in Alsace meant that the family navigated a unique environment where French administrative practices met Germanic traditions. This dual heritage suggests that the early Munce ancestors were part of a resilient community that maintained its identity despite the political changes occurring in eastern France. Their presence in the region during this era reflects the broader movement of families who settled in the fertile plains near the Vosges Mountains to pursue agriculture and trade.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
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)
“D'azur à un moine iss., hab. de blanc, coiffé de son capuchon du même qui supporte une étoile d'arg.; l'écu bordé d'arg. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° le chiffre III d'or, dans un G du même, sommé d'une couronne royale d'or; adextré d'un drapeau d'azur semé de couronnes à l'antique d'or, bordé d'arg., et senestré d'une bannière d'arg. ch. d'un écusson d'azur timbré d'une couronne royale d'or; 2° les meubles de l'écu.”
Swedenc. 1778
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Map of Sweden showing where the Munce arms are recorded
The Munce arms were recorded in Sweden, c. 1778.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Stockholm.
Stockholm held the Swedish court and the House of Nobility, where every noble family's arms were entered and kept. Families ennobled for service registered there, which is why so many are recorded around the city.
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 Sweden in this period.
Gustav III of Sweden
Sovereign of the period
Gustav III of Sweden
1771–1792
Reigning in France when the Munce arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Sweden
In Sweden, a coat of arms belonged to a noble family as a whole rather than just one individual. These arms were passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants. Younger branches of the family used the same shield without needing to change it. This system ensured that the entire lineage shared the same identity and status under the law.
Granting authority
The Riddarhuset, or House of Nobility, regulated all noble coats of arms in Sweden under royal authority.
How they got arms
Families received their coats of arms through royal grants of nobility which were then officially registered with the House.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Swedish House of Nobility register starting in the year 1626.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Sweden.
Origin & History of the Munce Family in Sweden
The history of the Munce family in Sweden begins to emerge clearly during the late eighteenth century, specifically with documented members residing in Stockholm by 1778. During this period, Stockholm was a bustling center of trade and administration, attracting individuals from across Northern Europe who sought new opportunities in the capital. The name Munce likely arrived in Sweden through these migratory patterns, as the city served as a gateway for foreign professionals and craftsmen looking to integrate into Swedish society. As these early family members settled into the urban landscape, they became part of the growing middle class that helped shape the city’s cultural and economic life. While the name remains distinct, its presence in the 1778 records suggests that the family was well-established enough to be noted in official city documentation, marking the beginning of their long-standing connection to the region.
Munce Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Monce
Derived from the Latin word mons meaning mountain or hill.
This name
MunceA topographic surname referring to someone who lived near a prominent hill or mountain.
also spelled
Munk
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Bas-Rhin, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
Kintz, Jean-Pierre, La société alsacienne au XVIIIe siècle, 1984
Livet, Georges, L'Alsace de 1648 à 1789, 1956
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
