A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Backus family of Netherlands.
Reg. 9950 · Dutch, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 parti: a. de sa. au lion d'or; b. d'azur à trois pals d'or; au 2 d'arg. à trois los. de sa. Sur le tout fuselé en barre d'arg. et d'azur. Cq. cour. C.: un lion iss. d'or.”
NetherlandsDordrecht, c. 1815
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Map of Netherlands showing where the Backus arms are recorded
The Backus arms were recorded in Dordrecht, c. 1815.
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.
Region
Dordrecht
Town
Dordrecht
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Backus Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Backus arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Netherlands.
Origin & History of the Backus Family in Netherlands
The family name Backus has deep roots in the Netherlands, particularly within the historic city of Dordrecht. By the early nineteenth century, records confirm that members of the family were well-established residents of this influential trading hub. The name itself is often linked to the Middle Dutch word "back," which historically referred to a baker or someone who worked at a communal oven. During this period, surnames were frequently adopted based on a person’s trade or their specific location within a town. As Dordrecht served as a major center for commerce and shipping along the river, the Backus family likely played a role in the local economy of the city. Their presence in the 1815 civil registers highlights a family that was integrated into the administrative and social life of the region during a time of significant political change in the Dutch state.
Backus Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bach
A brook or small stream of water.
This name
BackusA dweller by a stream or a person who lived near a brook.
also spelled
Backes
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Nationaal Archief, Bevolkingsregister van Dordrecht, 1815
Van der Aa, A.J., Biographisch Woordenboek der Nederlanden, 1852
Gemeentearchief Dordrecht, Registers van de Burgerlijke Stand, 1815
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
lionCourage, strength and royalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
lionCourage, strength and royalty
