Map of France showing where the Purcell arms are recorded
The Purcell 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.
Louis XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Purcell 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 Purcell Family in France
The history of the Purcell name in France is deeply connected to the cultural landscape of the Brittany region. By the early eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in this area, which was then a hub of maritime activity and distinct regional traditions. The name likely evolved from older linguistic roots that were common in northwestern France, reflecting the migration patterns of families moving between coastal towns and rural parishes. In 1725, records indicate that members of the family were integrated into the local community, participating in the social and economic life of the province. This period was a time of significant transition for many families in Brittany, as they navigated the complex administrative changes of the French kingdom. The presence of the Purcell name in these regional archives highlights a long-standing history of settlement and community involvement that defined their early years in the country.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. a boar pass. gu. armed and bristled or, on a chief az. three plates”
DublinCrumlin · Dublin, c. 1598
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Map of Ireland showing where the Purcell arms are recorded
The Purcell 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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in France when the Purcell arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
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.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Purcell Family in Ireland
The Purcell family name arrived in Ireland during the late twelfth century, following the arrival of Norman forces who settled in the southern regions of the country. Over the next few centuries, the family established themselves as significant landowners, particularly in County Kilkenny and County Tipperary. By the time records place members of the family in Dublin in 1598, they had become deeply integrated into the social and political fabric of Irish life. During this period, the Purcells often served in administrative or military roles, navigating the complex shifts in power that defined late sixteenth-century Ireland. Their presence in the capital city suggests that the family had expanded from their rural estates into the urban centers where trade and government decisions were centered. This transition reflects the broader history of families who adapted to changing laws and economic conditions while maintaining their influence across generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Barry nebulée of six ar. and gu. on a bend sa. three boars' heads of the first”
SalopOuneslow · Salop, c. 1597
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Purcell arms are recorded
The Purcell arms were recorded in Salop, c. 1597.
Shropshire lay on the Welsh border, and border country needed men who could fight. Families held their land in return for service, and service in arms is what a coat of arms was originally for.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in France when the Purcell arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
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.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Salop.
Origin & History of the Purcell Family in England
The family name Purcell has deep roots in the English landscape, with early records confirming the presence of the family in the county of Salop, also known as Shropshire, by the late sixteenth century. The name itself is believed to have originated from the Old French word "pourcel," which means a little pig or a young swine. During the medieval period, such names were often used as nicknames to describe a person’s physical traits or their occupation in rural society. By the time the family was established in Salop in 1597, they were part of a growing class of landowners and local officials who helped shape the administration of the English countryside. Over the following generations, the family expanded their influence through local trade and community leadership, leaving a lasting mark on the regional history of the West Midlands.
Purcell Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
porcellus
A diminutive form of the Latin word for pig or piglet.
This name
PurcellA nickname for someone with a stout build or a person who raised swine.
also spelled
Purcelle
Purcel
Purcellh
Pursel
Pursell
Related arms
Brownerecorded with Purcell, same area
Coperecorded with Purcell, same area
Hawkshawrecorded with Purcell, same area
Taylourrecorded with Purcell, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B (Archives de la juridiction de Rennes)
Archives départementales du Morbihan, Série E (Documents de famille et registres paroissiaux)
Ogée, Jean, Dictionnaire historique et géographique de la province de Bretagne, 1778
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
