A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Petray family of France.
Reg. 4453 · French, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
riverThe bounds of a land, and life carried through it
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
helmetWisdom and security in defence
branchPeace, and new growth
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
swordJustice, and military honour
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
columnFortitude and constancy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
knightChivalry and service in arms
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Coupé: au 1 d'azur à une galère d'or sur des flots d'arg., acc. au canton dextre du chef d'une ancre d'arg.; au 2 de gu. à un casque antique d'or, contourné, br. sur un rameau de laurier et une épée, passés en saut., le tout d'arg. C.: trois piramides d'Egypte et un sphinx. T.: un guerrier et un lion. D.: NOMEN MIHI FECIT GLORIA.”
Francec. 1663
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Map of France showing where the Petray arms are recorded
The Petray arms were recorded in France, c. 1663.
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.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Petray 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 Petray Family in France
The family name Petray traces its roots to the historic region of Bretagne in northwestern France. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of the family were firmly established within this rugged coastal territory. During the seventeenth century, Bretagne was a distinct province with its own unique cultural identity and linguistic traditions. Families living in this area often relied on agriculture or maritime trade to support their livelihoods. The name likely evolved from local dialects spoken in the region, reflecting the deep connection the family held to the land and the community. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the province, participating in the daily life and traditions that defined life in western France during the early modern period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Petrus
Latin for rock or stone.
This name
PetrayA French locative or patronymic surname derived from the name Peter, signifying a descendant of Peter.
also spelled
Petray
Petrie
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
Archives départementales du Finistère, Collection de la série E (Familles et seigneuries)
Poter, Jean-Yves, Histoire de la Bretagne, 1996
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
riverThe bounds of a land, and life carried through it
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
helmetWisdom and security in defence
branchPeace, and new growth
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
swordJustice, and military honour
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
columnFortitude and constancy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
knightChivalry and service in arms
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
riverThe bounds of a land, and life carried through it
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
helmetWisdom and security in defence
branchPeace, and new growth
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
swordJustice, and military honour
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
columnFortitude and constancy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
knightChivalry and service in arms
