A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barranco family of Spain.
Reg. 9566 · Spanish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
saracens head affronty coupedA crusade fought, and an enemy met in the field
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 sin. à une tête de Sarasin de carn., posée de profil, coiffée d'un turban rayé d'arg. et de gu., orné sur le devant d'un croiss. d'arg.; la tête posée entre deux rochers au nat., mouv. des flancs de l'écu et acc. d'un senestrochère, arm. d'arg., tenant une épée du même et mouv. du flanc, au-dessus du rocher [Une branche, établie en Andalousie, porte ces armes augmentées d'un chef d'or ch. d'une aigle de sa., le tout renfermé dans une bord. de gu., ch. de huit flanchis d'or.]”
CastileCastile, c. 1722
Where the Barranco Arms Were Recorded
Castile
Map of Spain showing where the Barranco arms are recorded
The Barranco arms were recorded in Castile, c. 1722.
Castile was the heart of Spain and the source of most of its noble families. Land won in the long wars against the Moors was granted out to fighting men, and a man granted land was granted arms along with it.
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 Barranco 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 Castile.
Origin & History of the Barranco Family in Spain
The surname Barranco originates from the Spanish language and carries a descriptive meaning related to the landscape. In Spanish, the word *barranco* refers to a ravine, a gorge, or a steep cliff created by water erosion. Families who adopted this name likely lived near such prominent geographical features, which served as natural landmarks in their local communities. By the early 18th century, records confirm that members of the Barranco family were well-established in the region of Castile. During this era, families often took their surnames from the specific terrain of their ancestral homes, helping to distinguish them within the growing population of the Spanish kingdoms. This connection to the land suggests that the early Barrancos were deeply rooted in the rural traditions and topography of the Castilian countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
barranco
A ravine, gorge, or steep-sided valley formed by water erosion.
This name
BarrancoA topographic name for someone who lived near a deep ravine or precipice.
also spelled
Barrancoe
Barrancou
Baranko
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Moll, Francesc de B., Els llinatges catalans, 1959
Albaigès, Josep M., Diccionario de apellidos de España, 2005
Archivo General de Simancas, Registro del Sello de Corte, 1722
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
saracens head affronty coupedA crusade fought, and an enemy met in the field
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
saracens head affronty coupedA crusade fought, and an enemy met in the field
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
cross symbolChristian faith and service
