Map of France showing where the Rossow arms are recorded
The Rossow 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 Rossow 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 Rossow Family in France
The family name Rossow carries a rich history that likely finds its roots in the northern regions of Europe before spreading across the continent. By the early eighteenth century, records confirm that members of the family were established in the province of Bretagne, France. During this period, Bretagne was a hub of maritime trade and agricultural development, which often drew families to settle in its coastal towns and rural parishes. The name itself is thought to be locational, possibly derived from early settlements or geographic landmarks that defined the lives of those who first adopted it. As these individuals moved through the diverse landscapes of France, they integrated into local communities while maintaining the distinct identity associated with their surname. This migration pattern reflects the broader movement of families seeking new opportunities in the changing social and economic environment of the 1700s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hrod
A Germanic element meaning fame or renown.
This name
RossowDerived from a place name or nickname signifying one who is famous or renowned.
also spelled
Rozzo
Rossow
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d’Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B (Fonds de la juridiction de Rennes)
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Morvan, Françoise, Bretagne est une île, 2005
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cometA great event foretold, and swift renown
cometA great event foretold, and swift renown
