Map of France showing where the Trees arms are recorded
The Trees arms were recorded in Bretagne, c. 1663.
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 XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Trees 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 Bretagne.
Origin & History of the Trees Family in France
The family name Trees has deep roots that trace back to the rugged landscapes of Bretagne in western France. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of the family were already established within this region, which was then a distinct province known for its strong cultural identity and maritime traditions. During the seventeenth century, families in this area were often tied to the land or local trade guilds, and surnames were frequently adopted to reflect a person’s occupation or their connection to a specific natural landmark. It is likely that the name originated as a descriptive term for ancestors who lived near a prominent grove or forest, as the name itself suggests a close relationship with the natural world. As these early family members moved through the villages and towns of Bretagne, they helped shape the local community and contributed to the rich history of the French countryside during a time of significant social change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Trés
Derived from the Old French word meaning very or highly.
This name
TreesAn occupational or locative surname likely referring to someone living near prominent trees or a wooded area.
also spelled
Trezee
Trezeh
Trezay
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B (Cours et juridictions)
Archives départementales du Finistère, Série E (Familles et seigneuries)
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Ploix, Charles, Histoire de la Bretagne et des Bretons, 1898
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
gauntletA challenge given and the readiness to meet it
gauntletA challenge given and the readiness to meet it
