Map of France showing where the Vincent arms are recorded
The Vincent arms were recorded in Lorraine, c. 1565.
Lorraine sat on the border between France and the German lands, and border country bred soldiers. Families here held small estates and served in arms, and a fighting man was exactly the sort who carried a shield of his own.
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.
Charles IX of France
Sovereign of the period
Charles IX of France
1560–1574
Reigning in France when the Vincent 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 Lorraine.
Origin & History of the Vincent Family in France
The family name Vincent originates from the Latin word vincentius, which means conquering or prevailing. In France, the name gained popularity due to the influence of Saint Vincent of Saragossa, a prominent early Christian figure whose legacy spread across the region. By the mid-sixteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the province of Lorraine. During this period, Lorraine served as a unique crossroads between French and Germanic cultures, often caught in the political shifts of the Holy Roman Empire. Families living in this area were frequently involved in local administration, trade, or agriculture, which allowed them to build stable lives despite the frequent regional conflicts of the era. The presence of the Vincent family in Lorraine by 1565 suggests they were part of the established social fabric of the region, contributing to the local community as the name continued to spread throughout the French countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
plant quatrefoilGood fortune and the fourfold gospel
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Map of England showing where the Vincent arms are recorded
The Vincent arms were recorded in Leicester, c. 1480.
Leicestershire was grazing country, and wool and cattle made steady money rather than spectacular fortunes. Steady money bought manors, and manors are what brought families into the registers.
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 England in this period.
Edward IV of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward IV of England
1471–1483
Reigning in France when the Vincent arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
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.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Leicester.
Origin & History of the Vincent Family in England
The surname Vincent arrived in England following the Norman Conquest, evolving from the Latin name Vincentius, which means conquering or prevailing. By the late fifteenth century, the family had firmly established itself in the English Midlands, specifically within the county of Leicester. Records from 1480 confirm that members of the Vincent family were active participants in the local community during this period. As the name spread across the country, it became associated with the growth of local administration and the development of landholding families. These early ancestors were part of the social fabric that defined rural life in Leicestershire, helping to shape the regional identity of the area through their involvement in trade and civic duties.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
plant quatrefoilGood fortune and the fourfold gospel
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Az. three quatrefoils ar”
KildareKildare, c. 1676
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Vincent arms are recorded
The Vincent arms were recorded in Kildare, c. 1676.
Kildare was flat grazing country close to Dublin, taken early by Norman families. Being near the seat of government meant being near where arms were recorded, which is why so many Kildare names appear.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in France when the Vincent arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Kildare.
Origin & History of the Vincent Family in Ireland
The surname Vincent has roots that stretch back to the Latin word *vincentius*, which means conquering or prevailing. While the name is of continental European origin, it became established in Ireland through families who settled there during periods of significant social and political change. By 1676, records confirm that members of the Vincent family were well-settled in County Kildare. During this era, families with this name often integrated into the local administrative and agricultural life of the region. They were part of a broader movement of families who moved across the Irish Sea, eventually becoming deeply rooted in the local landscape of Kildare. Over time, these early settlers helped shape the local community, transitioning from newcomers to established residents who contributed to the history of the Irish Midlands.
Vincent Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Vincentius
Derived from the Latin verb vincere meaning to conquer or overcome.
This name
VincentA name signifying one who is victorious or prevailing.
also spelled
Vyncent
Vincen
Vinsan
Vinson
Vyncen
Related arms
Lyfieldsame arms
L'Islesimilar arms
Colvilerecorded with Vincent, same area
Croftrecorded with Vincent, same area
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
Archives départementales de Meurthe-et-Moselle, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1565
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
plant quatrefoilGood fortune and the fourfold gospel
