A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Arce family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1986 · Belgian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à cinq fleurs-de-lis d'or, 2, 1 et 2.”
BrabantBrabant, c. 1737
Where the Arce Arms Were Recorded
Brabant
Map of Belgium showing where the Arce arms are recorded
The Arce arms were recorded in Brabant, c. 1737.
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 Arce 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 Brabant.
Origin & History of the Arce Family in Belgium
The history of the Arce family in Belgium is rooted in the historical region of Brabant, where records confirm their presence as early as 1737. During this period, the family became part of the social and economic fabric of the Low Countries, likely navigating the complex administrative landscape of the Austrian Netherlands. While the name itself carries deep linguistic roots often associated with regions further south, its establishment in Brabant suggests a history of migration and integration into local communities. Members of the family during the eighteenth century would have lived through a time of significant transition, as the region balanced local traditions with the influence of foreign governance. By settling in this central hub of trade and culture, the early Arce family members helped define their legacy within the diverse population of what would eventually become modern Belgium.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à cinq fleurs-de-lis d'or, 2, 1 et 2, chacune br. sur un flanchis de gu.; à la bord. échiq. de gu. et d'or.”
SpainAsturies, c. 1722
Where the Arce Arms Were Recorded
Asturies
Map of Spain showing where the Arce arms are recorded
The Arce arms were recorded in Asturies, 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 Belgium when the Arce 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 Arce Family in Spain
The surname Arce finds its historical roots in the rugged landscape of northern Spain, particularly within the region of Asturias. The name is topographic in origin, meaning it was likely adopted by families who lived near a prominent arch, a stone bridge, or a specific type of maple tree known as an *arce*. By the early 18th century, records confirm that members of the Arce family were well-established in Asturian communities. During this period, families in this region were often deeply connected to the local land and the shifting political landscape of the Spanish kingdoms. As the family grew, they participated in the social and agricultural life of the mountainous terrain, which helped shape their identity long before the name spread to other parts of the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Arcus
Latin term meaning a bow, arch, or curved structure.
This name
ArceRefers to a person who lived near an archway or a bow-shaped geographical feature.
also spelled
Arcee
Arces
Arcey
Arsay
Related arms
Arcvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives: State Archives in Belgium (Rijksarchief), Parochieregisters van Brabant
Archives: City Archives of Brussels (Archives de la Ville de Bruxelles), Registres paroissiaux et état civil
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
