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'azur au lion d'or.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the St.-Vincent family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'azur au lion d'or.”
The St.-Vincent arms were recorded in Champagne, c. 1663.
Champagne made its money at its great trade fairs, where merchants from across Europe met. Wealth of that kind bought land, and land brought arms, so the region carries a lot of names.
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 St.-Vincent finds its roots in the historical province of Champagne, France. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of the family were firmly established within this region. The name itself reflects a deep connection to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, a figure widely venerated throughout medieval France. Families often adopted such names to honor a patron saint or to mark their residence near a local parish dedicated to that holy figure. This practice was common among the rural population and local landowners during the seventeenth century.
Life in Champagne during this era was defined by agriculture and the growing influence of the regional trade networks. The St.-Vincent family likely participated in the local viticulture that made the province famous. They lived through a period of significant social transition as the French monarchy consolidated power. By maintaining their presence in the region, the family became part of the enduring fabric of Champagne society. Their history remains a quiet testament to the generations of families who built their lives in the French countryside long before the modern era.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Vincent, Viscount”
The St.-Vincent arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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.
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.
The St.-Vincent family name arrived in England with deep roots tied to the movement of people across the channel. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that members of the family were well established in the city of York. During this period, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration. The family likely integrated into the local merchant class, contributing to the city’s economic life during the early seventeenth century. Their presence in such a prominent urban center suggests they were respected citizens who navigated the social complexities of the era with success.
These early settlers helped shape the local community through their daily labor and civic participation. As they put down roots in Yorkshire, the family name became a permanent fixture in the regional landscape. They navigated the shifting political climate of England while maintaining their distinct identity. Over time, the St.-Vincent name became synonymous with the history of the north, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement that defined the English experience. Their story remains a testament to the resilience of families who built new lives in historic cities.
Derived from the Latin word vincere meaning to conquer or overcome.