Map of France showing where the Vlieger arms are recorded
The Vlieger arms were recorded in France, c. 1725.
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 XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Vlieger 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 Vlieger Family in France
The family name Vlieger originates from the Low Countries and carries a meaning rooted in movement and trade. In the Dutch language, the term refers to a flyer or a swift traveler, which often served as a descriptive nickname for individuals who were known for their speed or their work as messengers. By the early 18th century, members of the family had migrated from their ancestral lands into the region of Bretagne in France. Historical records confirm that the family was well-established in this coastal province by 1725. This relocation suggests that the family was likely involved in the maritime trade or artisan networks that connected the North Sea ports with the busy harbors of western France during the 1700s. As they settled into their new home, they maintained their identity while adapting to the cultural landscape of the Breton peninsula.
Vlieger Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
vlieghe
Middle Dutch term for a flying insect or a bird.
This name
VliegerAn occupational surname for a bird catcher or someone who moved quickly.
also spelled
Vlieger
Vlieghe
Vleeger
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Morbihan, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1725
Debrabandere, Frans, Woordenboek van de familienamen in België en Noord-Frankrijk, 2003
Le Dû, Jean, Nouvel atlas linguistique de la Basse-Bretagne, 2001
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
