Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'or au chev. d'azur, ch. de cinq croiss. montants d'arg. C.: un croiss. d'arg.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Parmentier family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'or au chev. d'azur, ch. de cinq croiss. montants d'arg. C.: un croiss. d'arg.”
The Parmentier arms were recorded in Utrecht, c. 1815.
Utrecht was an old church town with rich farming country around it. Both the church and the land produced families of standing, and families of standing kept arms to seal their documents with.
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.
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
The surname Parmentier has roots that stretch back to the medieval period, originating as an occupational name for a tailor or a maker of fine woolen garments. While the name is famously associated with French-speaking regions, its presence in the Netherlands highlights the movement of skilled craftspeople across European borders. By the early nineteenth century, the family was firmly established in the city of Utrecht, as evidenced by official records from 1815. During this era, Utrecht served as a vital hub for trade and administration, providing a stable environment for families to settle and integrate into the local economy. The transition of the Parmentier name into Dutch society reflects the broader historical pattern of artisans relocating to urban centers to practice their trades. These early residents in Utrecht were part of a growing class of citizens who helped shape the social and professional fabric of the city during the post-Napoleonic period.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'azur à trois faisceaux d'épis de blé d'or, 2 et 1, chaque faisceau composé de trois épis, un en pal et deux en saut. C.: une tête et col d'aigle d'azur, entre un vol d'or; ou, un More, hab. d'azur, coiffé d'un bonnet du même et d'or, les bras étendus, tenant de chaque main trois épis d'or.”
The Parmentier arms were recorded in Bruges, c. 1475.
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.
In Belgium, a coat of arms is considered personal property that is passed down through the male line to legitimate descendants. Families often use the same shield design across generations to show their shared heritage. If a branch of the family wants to change the design, they must apply for an official update to their specific version of the arms.
The surname Parmentier has deep roots in the medieval landscape of Belgium, particularly within the bustling trade hub of Bruges. By the year 1475, records confirm that members of the family were already established in this city, which was then a major center for European commerce and textile production. The name itself is occupational in origin, derived from the Old French word "parmentier," which referred to a tailor or a skilled worker who decorated garments with ornamental trimmings. During the late fifteenth century, Bruges was a magnet for artisans and merchants, and the Parmentier family likely thrived by contributing to the city’s famous clothing and luxury goods industry. As the family grew, they became part of the urban fabric of Flanders, moving through the social and economic shifts that defined the region during the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'arg. au chev. d'azur, acc. de trois trèfles de sin.”
The Parmentier arms were recorded in Flandre, c. 1556.
Flandre grew rich on cloth, and its towns were among the busiest in Europe. Merchant families bought land with their profits and took arms to go with it, so trade put as many names in the registers here as land did.
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.
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.
The surname Parmentier is a classic example of an occupational name that emerged during the Middle Ages in France. It is derived from the Old French word *parmentier*, which referred to a tailor or a person who decorated garments with ornamental trimmings. By the middle of the sixteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the region of Flandre, which was a center for the textile and cloth trade. Because this area was famous for its high-quality wool and weaving industries, the name was a natural fit for families involved in the production of fine clothing. Over time, the name spread from these northern industrial hubs into other parts of France, reflecting the migration of skilled artisans who moved to follow the demand for their specialized craft.
Derived from the Old French word parmentier meaning tailor.


