A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Warr family of France.
Reg. 7248 · French, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. à deux demi-vols cont. d'arg., l'un sur l'autre; à la bande d'azur, br. sur le tout et ch. en haut d'un croiss. d'arg., les cornes dirigées vers le canton dextre du chef. C.:”
SomersetshireSomersetshire, c. 1673
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Map of France showing where the Warr arms are recorded
The Warr arms were recorded in Somersetshire, c. 1673.
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 Warr 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 Somersetshire.
Origin & History of the Warr Family in France
The family name Warr has deep roots in the English county of Somersetshire, where records confirm members of the family were established by at least 1673. The name itself is thought to be a topographic surname, which means it was originally used to describe a person who lived near a specific physical feature or landmark. In Middle English, the word "warre" was often used to describe a piece of land used as a rabbit warren. Families living near these managed areas were frequently identified by their neighbors through this association, and the name eventually became a permanent family identifier passed down through generations. By the late 17th century, the Warr family had become a recognized part of the local community in Somerset, living and working within the rural landscape that likely gave them their name.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Warre
Old French term for a defensive fortification or a protected enclosure.
This name
WarrA topographic name for someone who lived near a defensive fortification or a protected game preserve.
also spelled
Warre
Warr
Warry
War
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Somerset Archives, Quarter Sessions Records, Q/SR
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
