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 à un arbre terrassé de sin.; au lion de gu., br. sur le tout.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ramay family of France.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'or à un arbre terrassé de sin.; au lion de gu., br. sur le tout.”
The Ramay arms were recorded in Languedoc, c. 1663.
Languedoc stretched across the south of France, a country of small towns, vineyards and old local families. Its gentry were numerous rather than grand, and a great many of them held arms even where their estates were modest.
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 family name Ramay has deep roots in the Languedoc region of southern France, where records confirm members of the family were established by the year 1663. During this period, Languedoc was a vibrant area known for its distinct culture and agricultural importance. Families living in this province often worked in trades related to the local vineyards or the textile industry, which were the primary economic drivers of the time. The name likely evolved from local dialects spoken in the Occitan language, reflecting the unique linguistic heritage of the region. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, navigating the complex religious and political changes that defined seventeenth-century France. By maintaining a presence in this historic province, the early Ramay family contributed to the long-standing traditions and community life of southern France.
A Germanic root meaning raven or a strong protector.
