A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Balmaseda family of Spain.
Reg. 3462 · 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
Where the Balmaseda Arms Were Recorded
Biscaye
Map of Spain showing where the Balmaseda arms are recorded
The Balmaseda 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 Balmaseda 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 Balmaseda Family in Spain
The family name Balmaseda originates from the town of the same name located in the province of Biscay, Spain. This region is part of the Basque Country, a place known for its distinct language and deep historical roots. In the early 18th century, the name was closely tied to the geography and social structure of this area. By 1722, records confirm that members of the Balmaseda family were well-established residents of Biscay. During this period, families often took their surnames from the specific towns or valleys where they lived and worked. This practice helped people identify their origins and connections to the local community. As the family grew, they became part of the long history of the region, contributing to the local culture and the development of the Basque territory.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Balmaseda
Derived from the Basque words for valley and apple tree.
This name
BalmasedaA habitational name referring to a town in the Biscay province of Spain.
also spelled
Balmaceda
Balmasede
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Arrieta Alberdi, Jon, El gobierno de la provincia de Vizcaya en la Edad Moderna, 1993
Archivo Foral de Bizkaia, Sección de Gobierno, Anteiglesias y Merindades, 1722
Caro Baroja, Julio, Los vascos, 1971
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
