Map of France showing where the Rolfe arms are recorded
The Rolfe arms were recorded in France, c. 1850.
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.
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 Rolfe Family in France
The surname Rolfe, which finds its roots in the ancient Germanic name Hrolf, eventually traveled across Europe and settled into the cultural landscape of France. While the name is often associated with later migrations, historical records confirm that families bearing the name were well-established in the region of Bretagne by the mid-19th century. During this period, the family lived within a society defined by strong regional traditions and the evolving social structures of post-revolutionary France. Life in Bretagne during the 1850s was deeply tied to the land and the local maritime economy, providing a stable environment for families to grow and integrate into their communities. By this time, the name had become a permanent part of the local identity, reflecting the broader movement of people and names across the borders of Western Europe.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
ravenConstancy and divine providence
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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. three ravens sa. a trefoil vert for diff”
KentDeptford · Kent, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Rolfe arms are recorded
The Rolfe arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of arms.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in France when the Rolfe 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Rolfe Family in England
The surname Rolfe is rooted in the ancient Germanic name Hrolf, which is a shortened form of the name Hrodulf, meaning famous wolf. This name arrived in England with the Norsemen and became well-established following the Norman Conquest. By the early 17th century, the family had firmly planted roots in the county of Kent. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Rolfe family were active in this region during a time of significant social and economic change in England. As the family grew, they integrated into the local agricultural and merchant communities that defined the landscape of southeastern England. Their presence in Kent during this period suggests they were part of the steady expansion of English families who helped shape the local governance and trade of the era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hrodwulf
A Germanic compound meaning famous wolf.
This name
RolfeA surname derived from the Old Germanic personal name meaning renowned wolf.
also spelled
Rolff
Rolf
Rolph
Related arms
Rolphvariant spelling
Brownerecorded with Rolfe, same area
Creedrecorded with Rolfe, same area
Cunliffrecorded with Rolfe, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Morbihan, État civil, Naissances, mariages, décès
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Recensement de la population
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
ravenConstancy and divine providence
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
