Parrent History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Parrent was first found in Picardy (French: Picardie) in northern France, where they held a family seat. Within its ancient history the family remained almost exclusively in the north-east of France, close to the Belgian border and in fact, branches of the name strayed over the border and became established in Flanders.

By the 14th century they had branched to Chatelet near Paris, to Launay in Valois, to Moiron in Soissennais, to Tour in Forez, and to Tournelles near Paris. Junior branches also acquired estates in Brittany, and Trieste. The latter branch became nobility in 1847, and Barons in 1873. Meanwhile, in the north-east branches appeared in Liege, de Namur, Flanders, Holland, Dieupart, and the Ardennnes.

Pierre Parent, son of André and Marie (née Goudray), was born in Mortagne-au-Perche, Normandy, France in 1610. He travelled to Canada in the 17th century. After arriving in Quebec he worked as a butcher and he married Jeanne Badeau, daughter of Jacques and Anne (née Ardouin), at the home of Lord Giffard on 8th February 1654. They had fourteen children together, twelve sons and two daughters. All twelve of their sons eventually married and carried on the name of Parent in Canada. Jeanne passed away in Beauport, Quebec and was buried on 23rd November 1706. 1