Basse Coat of Arms Record & History

A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Basse family lines. Documented in 3 countries.

Reg. 1698 · Danish, A–C

Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details

Where the Basse Arms Were Recorded

Sjaælland
Map of Denmark showing where the Basse arms are recorded

The Basse arms were recorded in Denmark, c. 1722.

Arms such as these were typically recorded in Sjaælland.

Zealand held the Danish court, the crown's offices and Copenhagen itself. Families who served the king kept estates within reach of it, and royal service was the ordinary route to a coat of arms.

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
Sjaælland
First recorded
1722

Granting Authority for the Basse Arms

Arms of Danish royal chancery
Danish royal chancery
Authority

Danish royal chancery

1536-1849

The body that granted and recorded arms in Denmark in this period.

Portrait of Frederik IV of Denmark
Frederik IV of Denmark
Sovereign of the period

Frederik IV of Denmark

1699–1730

Reigning in Denmark when the Basse arms are first recorded.

How Arms Worked in Denmark

Danish heraldry during this period was closely tied to noble status and royal favor rather than being open to all citizens. Arms were typically granted by the monarch to individuals, and these symbols were then shared by all members of the noble house. If a family line died out, the right to use those specific arms ended with them.

Granting authority
The Danish royal chancery held the power to issue and regulate official coats of arms for the kingdom.
How they got arms
Families usually received their arms through a formal royal grant that confirmed their noble status and rights.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Danish Royal Chancery records starting in the sixteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Denmark.

Origin & History of the Basse Family in Denmark

The family name Basse has deep roots in the history of Denmark, particularly within the region of Sjælland. By the year 1722, records confirm that members of the family were already established in this area. The name itself is thought to have originated as a descriptive nickname, as the word "basse" was historically used in the Danish language to describe a person of sturdy or large physical build. Over many generations, this nickname transitioned from a simple way to identify a specific individual into a formal hereditary surname passed down through the family line. During the early eighteenth century, families like the Basses were often tied to the local agricultural landscape, living as tenant farmers or tradespeople within the rural parishes of Sjælland. Their presence in the historical record during this time offers a glimpse into the lives of common Danish citizens who helped shape the local community through their daily work and family connections.

Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details

Where the Basse Arms Were Recorded

Tyrol
Map of Austria showing where the Basse arms are recorded

The Basse arms were recorded in Austria, c. 1771.

Arms such as these were typically recorded in Tyrol.

Tyrol was mountain country in western Austria, where the valleys were held by families who had been there a very long time. Old tenure counted for more than money, and old families carried arms.

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
Tyrol
First recorded
1771

Granting Authority for the Basse Arms

Arms of Imperial and Royal chancery
Imperial and Royal chancery Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0
Authority

Imperial and Royal chancery

1453-1918

The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.

Portrait of Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period

Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor

1765–1790

Reigning in Denmark when the Basse arms are first recorded.

How Arms Worked in Austria

Austrian coats of arms were often linked directly to noble titles granted by the Emperor. These symbols belonged to the entire family line rather than just one individual. When a family grew, new branches kept the original design without needing to change it. This system allowed all members of a noble house to share the same identity across many generations.

Granting authority
The Imperial and Royal chancery managed all heraldic matters and controlled the official granting of arms throughout the Austrian lands.
How they got arms
Families typically received their arms through a formal imperial decree that often accompanied the elevation of a person to noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Official records of these grants were kept in the Imperial Register of Nobility which began its formal documentation process in 1453.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Austria.

Origin & History of the Basse Family in Austria

The history of the Basse family in Austria is deeply rooted in the rugged landscapes of the Tyrol region. By 1771, records confirm that members of the family were already established residents within this mountainous territory. During this period, the name was often associated with families living near low-lying lands or river basins, as the term itself frequently referred to geographical features in local dialects. Because Tyrol served as a vital crossroads for trade between northern and southern Europe, the Basse family likely participated in the vibrant exchange of goods and ideas that defined the region. Their presence in these alpine communities suggests they were integrated into the local social structure, working as farmers, craftsmen, or merchants who helped shape the early development of the area. Over time, the family became a part of the unique cultural tapestry that defines the Tyrolean identity.

Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details

Where the Basse Arms Were Recorded

York
Map of England showing where the Basse arms are recorded

The Basse arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.

Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.

Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.

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
York
First recorded
1620

Granting Authority for the Basse Arms

Arms of College of Arms
College of Arms Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0
Authority

College of Arms

1484-present

The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.

Portrait of James VI and I
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period

James VI and I

1603–1625

Reigning in Denmark when the Basse arms are first recorded.

How Arms Worked in England

English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.

Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.

Origin & History of the Basse Family in England

The surname Basse has deep roots in England, where it likely emerged as a descriptive name for individuals who were shorter in stature or lived in low-lying areas. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Basse family were active residents within this northern hub, which was a center for trade and religious life at the time. During this period, families with this name were often involved in local commerce and civic duties, helping to shape the social fabric of the region. As the 1600s progressed, the name became increasingly associated with the industrious middle class, reflecting a history of steady growth and integration into the evolving English landscape.

Related Branches & Arms

Root word
Bassus

A Latin term meaning thick, dense, or stout.

This name
BasseA descriptive nickname for a person of heavy or stocky physical build.
also spelled
Basay
Bas
Related arms
Bassvariant spelling
Bassyvariant spelling

Documented Sources

J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87

Hald, Kristian. Personnavne i Danmark: Oldtiden. 1971

Nielsen, Oluf. Olddanske Personnavne. 1883

Rigsarkivet (Danish National Archives), Kirkebøger for Sjællands Stift (Parish registers for the Diocese of Sjælland)

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The Basse arms on the framed, black wood
Framed, black wood 11 × 14 in, printed on heavy archival paper, framed in black wood and ready to hang.
$119.00
Free shipping
The Basse arms on the set of 4 mugs
Set of 4 mugs Four matching 11 oz white ceramic mugs, dishwasher safe, the arms printed on each.
$49.99
Free shipping
The Basse arms on the family cap - unisex
Family cap - unisex Walnut bill, cream crown, one size fits all. The arms on the front.
$39.99
Free shipping
The Basse coat of arms
Digital archive pack Coat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
The Basse arms on the framed, black wood
Framed, black wood 11 × 14 in, printed on heavy archival paper, framed in black wood and ready to hang.
$119.00
Free shipping
The Basse arms on the set of 4 mugs
Set of 4 mugs Four matching 11 oz white ceramic mugs, dishwasher safe, the arms printed on each.
$49.99
Free shipping
The Basse arms on the family cap - unisex
Family cap - unisex Walnut bill, cream crown, one size fits all. The arms on the front.
$39.99
Free shipping
The Basse coat of arms
Digital archive pack Coat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.