Descended from merchants and bankers established in Reims and Troyes in the 16th century, the family formed several branches which successively acceded to the nobility during the 17th century.

[1] Following Jean-Baptiste Colbert, advisor to Cardinal Mazarin who, upon the death of the Cardinal, became minister to King Louis XIV, the Colbert family knew how to benefit from the social advancement of Louis XIV's minister and to give its members access to the highest offices and functions of the kingdom.

In addition to the famous minister of Louis XIV, the Colbert family gave many dignitaries to the Kingdom of France, ministers, bishops, and general officers, from the second half of the 17th century to the end of the 18th century.

From Louis XIV to the French Revolution, it belonged to the high nobility of the country.

Quarterly: 1 and 4, azure, three silver fleurs-de-lis, a chief or ( d'Estaing); 2 and 3, argent, a saltire gules denched sable (de Froulay).