A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Albuquerque family of Spain.
Reg. 6455 · Spanish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à la tour d'or, sommée de trois tourelles du même, celle du milieu plus élevée; aux 2 et 3 de gu. au pin de sin., senestré d'un lion d'or, ramp. contre le fût, le tout soutenu d'une terrasse de sin.”
CastileCastile, c. 1722
Where the Albuquerque Arms Were Recorded
Castile
Map of Spain showing where the Albuquerque arms are recorded
The Albuquerque arms were recorded in Castile, c. 1722.
Castile was the heart of Spain and the source of most of its noble families. Land won in the long wars against the Moors was granted out to fighting men, and a man granted land was granted arms along with it.
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 Spain in this period.
Philip V of Spain
Sovereign of the period
Philip V of Spain
1714–1724
Reigning in Spain when the Albuquerque arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Spain
In Spain, a coat of arms was considered a form of property that belonged to the entire family line. These arms were passed down from a father to all his children equally. Younger branches of the family usually kept the original design without needing to add any special marks to distinguish their specific line.
Granting authority
The Cronista Rey de Armas was the official body that regulated and granted coats of arms throughout Spain.
How they got arms
Families often obtained their arms through royal grants or by proving their noble status to the official heraldic authority.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the registers of the Cronista Rey de Armas starting in 1496.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Castile.
Origin & History of the Albuquerque Family in Spain
The family name Albuquerque originates from the town of Alburquerque located in the Extremadura region of Spain near the border with Portugal. The name itself is derived from the Latin words "albus," meaning white, and "quercus," meaning oak, which likely referred to a prominent white oak tree or a forest in that specific area. During the Middle Ages, families often adopted the names of the lands they governed or inhabited as a way to establish their identity and social standing. By the early 18th century, members of the family had firmly established themselves in Castile, where they participated in the administrative and social life of the region. This migration reflected the broader movement of noble and land-owning families who sought to expand their influence across the Spanish territories during that era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Alba Quercus
Latin for white oak tree.
This name
AlbuquerqueRefers to a location characterized by a white oak forest or grove.
also spelled
Albuquerq
Albuquerke
Albuquer
Albukerke
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
García Pérez, Guillermo. Extremadura en la Edad Media. 2005
Archivo General de Simancas. Registro del Sello de Corte. 1722
Martínez Díez, Gonzalo. Alfoz y jurisdicción de las villas de Extremadura. 1983
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
lionCourage, strength and royalty
