A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Percy 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. D.: ESPERANCE EN DIEU.)”
The Percy arms were recorded in France, c. 1725.
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.
Reigning in France when the Percy arms are first recorded.
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 history of the Percy family in France is deeply connected to the rural landscapes of the Brittany region. While the name is often associated with famous English nobility, the French branch established its own distinct identity through generations of life in the western provinces. By the early 18th century, the family had become well-integrated into the local social fabric of Brittany. Records from 1725 confirm that members of the family were living and working within these communities during a time of significant agricultural and social change. They lived as part of the regional population, navigating the complex legal and social structures of the French monarchy. Their presence in Brittany reflects a long history of settlement that allowed them to maintain their family name across many decades of French history.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faithSir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Quarterly, 1st and 4th grand quarters, 1st and 4th, or, a lion ramp. az., 2nd and 3rd, gu. three lucies or pikes haurient ar.; 2nd and 3rd grand quarters, az. five fusils conjoined in fesse or”
The Percy arms were recorded in Northumberland, c. 1620.
Northumberland was border country facing Scotland, raided and fought over for three hundred years. Families held their land in return for defending it, and a defending household carried a shield.
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.
Reigning in France when the Percy arms are first recorded.
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.
The Percy family name originated in Normandy, France, and arrived in England during the Norman Conquest of 1066. The family took their name from the village of Percy-en-Auge, which served as their ancestral home before they crossed the English Channel. Once settled in England, the family quickly rose to prominence by securing vast landholdings and political influence. By the early 17th century, the Percys were firmly established in the rugged landscape of Northumberland, where they acted as powerful wardens of the northern border. Their presence in this region was essential for managing the complex social and military dynamics of the Anglo-Scottish frontier. Over several centuries, the family transformed from foreign newcomers into one of the most significant noble houses in northern England, deeply shaping the history and governance of the region long before 1620.
lionCourage, strength and royaltyfishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second sonSir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, or, a lion ramp. az.; 2nd and 3rd, gu. three fishes haurient ar. a crescent for diff”
The Percy arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1598.
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.
Reigning in France when the Percy arms are first recorded.
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.
The Percy family name established a notable presence in Ireland by the late sixteenth century, with records confirming family members were living in Dublin as early as 1598. While the name originated from a prominent Norman-French lineage, those who settled in Ireland often integrated into the administrative and social structures of the English Pale. During this period, the family members in Dublin were frequently involved in the civil and military service of the Crown. This transition from their historical roots in Northern England to the urban environment of Dublin marked a significant shift in the family trajectory. By settling in the capital, they became part of a growing class of officials and landowners who helped shape the political landscape of the city during a time of intense transition. Their presence in the records of the era reflects the broader movement of families who sought new opportunities across the Irish Sea during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
Derived from the Latin name meaning to pierce or destroy.
