A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ama family of Belgium.
Reg. 1146 · Belgian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. à la bande ondée d'arg.; au fr.-q. senestre d'or, ch. d'une croix de sa., cant. de quatre croisettes du même.”
Belgiumc. 1737
Where the Ama Arms Were Recorded
Brabant
Map of Belgium showing where the Ama arms are recorded
The Ama arms were recorded in Belgium, c. 1737.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Brabant.
Brabant lay at the heart of the Low Countries, where the trade routes met. Its towns were wealthy and its landowners many, and both kinds of family kept arms, which is why the region is so heavily represented.
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 Ama 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 Ama Family in Belgium
The history of the Ama family name is deeply rooted in the historical region of Brabant, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1737. During the eighteenth century, Brabant was a vibrant area known for its complex network of trade routes and local agricultural traditions. Families in this region often lived in small, tight-knit communities where names were passed down through generations to maintain a sense of local identity. The name Ama likely emerged from these rural surroundings, reflecting the linguistic patterns common to the Low Countries during that era. By settling in Brabant, the early Ama family members became part of a long tradition of regional craftsmanship and community life that defined the area long before modern borders were established. Their presence in the historical record provides a clear window into the lives of ordinary people who helped shape the cultural landscape of the region during the mid-1700s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Amatus
Latin for beloved or dear one.
This name
AmaA surname derived from a medieval personal name signifying a cherished or well-loved individual.
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Rijksarchief in België (State Archives in Belgium), Parochieregisters (Parish Registers), Brabant series
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
