A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bernat family of Spain.
Reg. 5957 · Spanish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Tiercé en fasce: au 1 de gu. à une coupe couverte d'or: au 2 d'or à un tau d'azur ayant en haut un annelet du même; au 3 d'arg. à un chien braque pass. au nat. [V. Bernal.]”
CataloniaCatalonia, c. 1722
Where the Bernat Arms Were Recorded
Catalonia
Map of Spain showing where the Bernat arms are recorded
The Bernat arms were recorded in Catalonia, c. 1722.
Catalonia lived by sea trade, and its merchant houses were as powerful as its landowners. Both sorts of family took arms, and Barcelona kept records of the houses entitled to bear them.
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 Bernat 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 Catalonia.
Origin & History of the Bernat Family in Spain
The surname Bernat finds its deep roots in the linguistic traditions of the Catalan region, where it originated as a patronymic name derived from the personal name Bernard. During the early eighteenth century, families carrying this name were well-established members of the local community in Catalonia. The name itself is rooted in Germanic origins, meaning brave as a bear, and it became widely popular across Europe during the Middle Ages before settling into the specific regional identity of the Catalan people. By 1722, individuals named Bernat were integrated into the social and agricultural fabric of the area, often appearing in local parish registers that tracked births, marriages, and deaths. These early ancestors were likely farmers or tradespeople who contributed to the distinct cultural development of northeastern Spain, helping to preserve the Catalan language and customs through generations of steady family life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bernhard
Germanic name composed of elements meaning bear and brave or hardy.
This name
BernatA Catalan and Spanish variant of Bernard, signifying a brave and strong warrior.
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Alcover, Antoni M. and Moll, Francesc de B., Diccionari català-valencià-balear, 1962
Moll, Francesc de B., Els llinatges catalans, 1959
Arxiu de la Corona d'Aragó, Registres de la Reial Audiència
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
