A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Benfante family of Spain.
Reg. 6738 · Spanish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
wolfReward from long service and hard work
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“D'or à un arbre de sin., accosté de deux loups affr. de sa., ramp. contre le fût auquel ils sont attachés par deux chaines d'azur; à la bord. du même, ch. de huit coquilles du champ.”
CastileCastile, c. 1722
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Map of Spain showing where the Benfante arms are recorded
The Benfante 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 Benfante 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 Benfante Family in Spain
The surname Benfante traces its roots to the Iberian Peninsula, where the family established a notable presence in the region of Castile by the early 18th century. The name itself is thought to be derived from the Italian phrase "bene fante," which translates to "good servant" or "good child," suggesting that the original bearers may have been recognized for their loyalty or their service to a local household or estate. By 1722, records indicate that members of the family were integrated into the social and economic fabric of Castilian society, likely participating in the agricultural or administrative life common to that era. As the family grew, they moved through different provinces, adapting to the local customs while maintaining the identity associated with their name. This transition from their linguistic origins to the heart of Spain reflects the broader movement of families across Mediterranean Europe during the late Middle Ages and the early modern period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bene-fante
Derived from Latin roots meaning well-speaking or good child.
This name
BenfanteRefers to a well-behaved child or an individual who speaks well and kindly.
also spelled
Benavende
Benavend
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivo General de Simancas, Registro del Sello de Corte, 1722
Moll, Francesc de Borja, Els llinatges catalans, 1959
Pescador del Hoyo, María del Carmen, La población de Castilla en el siglo XVIII, 1964
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
wolfReward from long service and hard work
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
wolfReward from long service and hard work
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
