A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Almela family of Spain.
Reg. 2347 · Spanish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“D'or à l'arbre terrassé de sin.; à la bord. de gu., ch. de six fleurs-de-lis d'or, 1 en chef, 2 à chaque flanc et 1 en p.”
SpainMurcie, c. 1722
Where the Almela Arms Were Recorded
Murcie
Map of Spain showing where the Almela arms are recorded
The Almela arms were recorded in Murcie, c. 1722.
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 Almela 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 Spain.
Origin & History of the Almela Family in Spain
The family name Almela has deep roots in the southeastern region of Spain, particularly within the city and province of Murcia. By the early 18th century, the family was already well-established in this area, as evidenced by records confirming their presence in Murcia by 1722. The name itself is thought to be of topographic or locative origin, likely derived from the Arabic term *al-mīla*, which refers to a place characterized by a specific type of soil or a landmark. During this period, the Almela family lived in a region shaped by a unique blend of Christian and Islamic cultural influences, which defined the social and agricultural landscape of Murcia. As members of this community, the early Almela family likely participated in the local economy, which relied heavily on the fertile irrigation systems known as the *huerta*. Their presence in official documents from 1722 suggests they were integrated into the local administrative and social structures of the time, helping to build the historical identity of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Al-mela
Arabic prefix meaning the and a word for honey or apple.
This name
AlmelaA topographic name referring to someone who lived near an apple orchard.
also spelled
Almelaa
Almelah
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivo General de la Región de Murcia, Protocolos Notariales de Murcia
Pérez de Hita, Ginés, Historia de los bandos de los zegríes y abencerrajes, caballeros moros de Granada, 1604 (reprinted in various editions regarding the history of the Murcia and Granada regions)
García-Saúco Beléndez, Luis G., La ciudad de Murcia en el siglo XVIII, 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
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
