Map of France showing where the Terraza arms are recorded
The Terraza arms were recorded in Provence, c. 1663.
Provence was old country, with towns dating to the Romans and families who traced their land back nearly as far. Its gentry were many and long-settled, and long settlement is what fills a register.
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 Terraza 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 Provence.
Origin & History of the Terraza Family in France
The family name Terraza originates from the Latin word terra, which refers to earth or land. This suggests that the earliest ancestors were likely farmers or landowners who lived in close connection with the soil. By 1663, records confirm that members of the family were established in the Provence region of France. During this period, Provence was a vibrant area known for its agricultural wealth and distinct cultural traditions. Families in this region often took names that described their physical surroundings or their specific trade. As the family moved and grew, the name Terraza became a way to identify their ancestral roots and their long history of working the land. This name has persisted for centuries as a link to the rural heritage and the specific geographic landscape of southern France.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Terra
Latin word meaning earth, ground, or land.
This name
TerrazaRefers to someone who lived on a terrace or a raised piece of land.
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
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
