A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Vidmar family of France.
Reg. 1824 · French, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cross symbolChristian faith and service
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 d'or à une tour de gu., maçonnée, ouv. et aj. de sa., posée sur une terrasse de sin.; au 2 d'azur à une croix de Lorraine d'arg., remplie de sa.”
Francec. 1663
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Map of France showing where the Vidmar arms are recorded
The Vidmar arms were recorded in France, c. 1663.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
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 Vidmar 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 Vidmar Family in France
The surname Vidmar is deeply rooted in the history of Central Europe, particularly within the regions of Slovenia and the surrounding Alpine areas. While the name is most commonly associated with Slavic origins, its presence in Bretagne by 1663 suggests that members of the family were highly mobile during the seventeenth century. During this period, migration across Europe was often driven by trade, military service, or the search for new agricultural opportunities. Families like the Vidmars frequently moved along established merchant routes, which allowed them to integrate into diverse cultural landscapes far from their ancestral homes. By settling in western France, these early ancestors likely adapted to local customs while maintaining the distinct identity tied to their name. This movement reflects a broader pattern of European history where individuals traveled great distances to establish new lives, leaving behind records that document their presence in local parish registers and community archives.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Vidimus
Latin term meaning we have seen or we have witnessed.
This name
VidmarDerived from a title for a witness or an official who verified documents.
also spelled
Vimare
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bezlaj, France. Etimološki slovar slovenskega jezika. 1976
Šivic-Dular, Alenka. Slovenska priimkovna imenoslovja. 1994
Archives départementales du Finistère, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cross symbolChristian faith and service
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
