A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Alcantara family of Belgium.
Reg. 3884 · Belgian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé, d'arg. au lion léopardé d'azur, pass. devant un arbre de sin., sur azur à une étoile (10) d'or; à la bord. d'or, ch. de dix têtes de dragon d'azur, lamp. de gu. C.: un panache de six pl. d'aut., alt. d'or et d'azur. L.: d'azur et d'or. S.: deux léopards lionnés d'or.”
BelgiumTournai, c. 1737
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Map of Belgium showing where the Alcantara arms are recorded
The Alcantara arms were recorded in Tournai, c. 1737.
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 Belgium in this period.
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
1711–1740
Reigning in Belgium when the Alcantara arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Belgium
In Belgium, a coat of arms is considered personal property that is passed down through the male line to legitimate descendants. Families often use the same shield design across generations to show their shared heritage. If a branch of the family wants to change the design, they must apply for an official update to their specific version of the arms.
Granting authority
The Conseil héraldique is the official body that regulates and approves all coats of arms in Belgium.
How they got arms
Families obtain their coats of arms through formal royal grants or by confirming their historical right to use existing designs.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms are officially recorded in the public registers of the Conseil héraldique since 1844.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Belgium.
Origin & History of the Alcantara Family in Belgium
The family name Alcantara originates from the Arabic phrase al-qantarah, which translates to the bridge. This name was historically associated with individuals living near significant stone bridges or those who served as guardians of such structures in the Iberian Peninsula. By the early eighteenth century, the family had established a presence in the city of Tournai, which is located in modern-day Belgium. During this period, Tournai was a major center for trade and craftsmanship, making it a strategic location for families moving across European borders. The presence of the Alcantara name in this region by 1737 suggests that the family was part of the mobile population of merchants or skilled workers who traveled between the Spanish Netherlands and other parts of Europe to pursue economic opportunities.
Alcantara Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
al-qantara
Arabic term referring to a bridge or an arch.
This name
AlcantaraA topographic surname denoting someone who lived near a bridge or a stone archway.
also spelled
Alcantarae
Alcantarr
Alcant
Alkantara
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France, 1951
Archives de l'État à Tournai, Registres paroissiaux de la ville de Tournai, 1737
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
lionCourage, strength and royalty
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
