Map of France showing where the Tanguay arms are recorded
The Tanguay arms were recorded in Paris, c. 1663.
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 XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Tanguay 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 Tanguay Family in France
The Tanguay family name originates from the northern regions of France, specifically within the historic province of Normandy. The name is believed to be a variation of the ancient Breton name Tanguy, which combines words meaning fire and dog to signify a warrior with a fierce spirit. By the mid-seventeenth century, members of the family were well-established in Paris, where they lived during a time of significant social and political change. In 1663, a key ancestor named Jean Tanguay left this urban environment to seek new opportunities in the French colony of New France. His decision to cross the Atlantic helped establish the family line in North America, where the name has been preserved and passed down through generations ever since.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Tanguy
Derived from the Breton words for fire and dog.
This name
TanguayA locative surname originating from the Breton personal name meaning fiery warrior.
also spelled
Tannegui
Tanneguyt
Tanneguyy
Tanegi
Taneguy
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Jetté, René, Dictionnaire généalogique des familles du Québec, 1983
Tanguay, Cyprien, Dictionnaire généalogique des familles canadiennes depuis la fondation de la colonie jusqu'à nos jours, 1871
Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, Fonds du Conseil souverain de la Nouvelle-France
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
