A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Berden family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8778 · Belgian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à trois roses d'arg., rangées en pal.”
BrabantBrabant, c. 1737
Where the Berden Arms Were Recorded
Brabant
Map of Belgium showing where the Berden arms are recorded
The Berden arms were recorded in Brabant, c. 1737.
Brabant lay at the heart of the Low Countries, where the trade routes met. Its towns were wealthy and its landowners many, and both kinds of family kept arms, which is why the region is so heavily represented.
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 Belgium in this period.
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
1711–1740
Reigning in Belgium when the Berden arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Belgium
In Belgium, a coat of arms is considered personal property that is passed down through the male line to legitimate descendants. Families often use the same shield design across generations to show their shared heritage. If a branch of the family wants to change the design, they must apply for an official update to their specific version of the arms.
Granting authority
The Conseil héraldique is the official body that regulates and approves all coats of arms in Belgium.
How they got arms
Families obtain their coats of arms through formal royal grants or by confirming their historical right to use existing designs.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms are officially recorded in the public registers of the Conseil héraldique since 1844.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Brabant.
Origin & History of the Berden Family in Belgium
The family name Berden has deep roots in the historical region of Brabant, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1737. During the eighteenth century, this area was part of the Southern Netherlands under the rule of the Austrian Habsburgs. Families like the Berdens often lived in rural or semi-urban communities where they were closely tied to the local agricultural economy and parish life. The name itself likely originated as a descriptive term or a variation of a personal name common to the Germanic and Dutch-speaking populations of the Low Countries. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Brabant, navigating the transitions of the region as it moved from Austrian control through the period of French occupation and eventually into the formation of the modern Belgian state. By studying local parish registers and regional tax records from this era, we can see how the Berden family maintained a consistent presence in the province, contributing to the local workforce and the development of their community over several generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. an eagle displ. az. membered gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Berden Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Berden arms are recorded
The Berden 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.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Belgium when the Berden 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 Berden Family in England
The surname Berden has deep roots in the English landscape, with early records placing the family in the historic city of York by the year 1620. The name likely originated as a topographical identifier, referring to people who lived near a specific valley or woodland area known as a "den." During the seventeenth century, York served as a vital hub for trade and administration in Northern England, making it a significant location for families to establish their presence. As the Berden family settled into this urban environment, they became part of the local social fabric during a time of great political and religious change in England. By tracing their history to this specific era and region, we see a family that was well-positioned within the bustling life of a major provincial center, contributing to the growth and daily operations of the city during the early modern period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Berthold
Derived from Germanic elements meaning bright or famous ruler.
This name
BerdenA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person bearing the name Berthold.
also spelled
Berdenh
Berdene
Berdon
Burden
Berdein
Related arms
Burdenvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Brabant Archives (Rijksarchief in België), Parochieregisters van de provincie Brabant
Debrabandere, Frans, Woordenboek van de familienamen in België en Noord-Frankrijk, 2003
Leys, O., De familienamen in de Zuidelijke Nederlanden, 1972
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
