A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Balmaceda family of Spain.
Reg. 7386 · Spanish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
bridgeOne who joins what was divided
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Éc.: au 1 d'or au lévrier courant et cont. de sa.; au 2 d'azur à la tour sommée de trois tourelles d'arg.; au 3 de gu. au lévrier courant et cont. de sa.; au 4 de sa. au chef d'arg., le sa. ch. d'un pont à trois arches d'arg., ouvertes du même et mouv. d'une eau d'azur agitée d'arg.”
SpainBiscaye, c. 1722
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Map of Spain showing where the Balmaceda arms are recorded
The Balmaceda arms were recorded in Biscaye, 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 Balmaceda 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 Balmaceda Family in Spain
The family name Balmaceda originates from the town of Balmaseda, located in the province of Biscay within the Basque Country of northern Spain. During the early eighteenth century, the family was well-established in this region, as evidenced by records confirming their presence there by 1722. The name itself is geographic in nature, derived from the Basque words "balma," meaning cave or grotto, and "zeda," which refers to a flat area or a place of importance. This suggests that the earliest ancestors likely took the name to identify their home near the prominent caves or the valley landscape surrounding the town. Over time, members of the family moved from this mountainous region to other parts of Spain and eventually to the Americas, where they became influential figures in politics and social life. The history of the name remains deeply tied to the rugged terrain and the distinct cultural heritage of the Basque people.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Palma and ceda
Derived from Latin palma meaning palm tree and cedere meaning to yield.
This name
BalmacedaA topographic surname referring to a place where palm trees grow or a sheltered valley.
also spelled
Balmaceda
Balmasede
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Mikeldi, Paul. Diccionario onomástico y heráldico vasco. 1928
Archivo Histórico de la Nobleza. Sección Nobleza, Familia Balmaceda. 1722
García Carraffa, Alberto and Arturo. El solar vasco navarro. 1947
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
bridgeOne who joins what was divided
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
bridgeOne who joins what was divided
