Map of France showing where the Simard arms are recorded
The Simard arms were recorded in Guyenne, c. 1860.
Guyenne was the great wine country of south-western France, shipping claret to England for centuries. The trade made merchant families rich, they bought vineyards and estates with the money, and land of that kind brought arms with it.
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.
Napoleon III
Sovereign of the period
Napoleon III
1852–1870
Reigning in France when the Simard 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 Guyenne.
Origin & History of the Simard Family in France
The surname Simard has deep roots in the French region of Guyenne, where families bearing this name were well established by the mid-nineteenth century. The name itself is derived from the ancient Germanic name Sigmar, which combines the elements for victory and fame. Over many generations, the spelling evolved through local dialects until it settled into the form recognized today. Families with this name were typically involved in the agricultural life of the countryside, contributing to the local economy and community structure of southwestern France. By the year 1860, the Simard family was a documented part of the social fabric in Guyenne, reflecting a long history of settlement in that specific province.
Simard Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Sigimar
Derived from Germanic elements meaning victory and famous.
This name
SimardA patronymic surname originating from the ancient Germanic personal name Sigimar, signifying a famous warrior who achieves victory.
also spelled
Simard-Pitray
Simar de Pitray
Simard
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
Archives départementales de la Gironde, État civil de la commune de Guyenne, 1860
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
lionCourage, strength and royalty
