A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Beskow family of Sweden.
Reg. 4377 · Swedish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
harpWell-tuned governance and love of music
knightChivalry and service in arms
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: au 1 d'or au griffon reg. de sa., cour. d'or; au 2 d'azur à une lyre antique d'or; au 3 d'azur à une tête d'homme d'arg., posée de profil, coiffée d'un casque romain d'arg., la crête d'or; au 4 d'or à un homme, arm. d'azur, monte sur un cheval galopant d'arg., foulant aux pieds un dragon renv. de sin. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° un caducée de sin., sommé du signe ♂ de sa., entre deux pl. d'auf. d'arg.; 2° une fleur-de-lis d'arg., surm. d'une étoile (5) rayonnante d'or; entre un vol de sa. T.: deux sauvages de carn., ceints et cour. de lierre, tenant chacun une massue posée sur l'épaule.”
Swedenc. 1843
Where the Beskow Arms Were Recorded
Stockholm
Map of Sweden showing where the Beskow arms are recorded
The Beskow arms were recorded in Sweden, c. 1843.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Stockholm.
Stockholm held the Swedish court and the House of Nobility, where every noble family's arms were entered and kept. Families ennobled for service registered there, which is why so many are recorded around the city.
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 Sweden in this period.
Charles XIV John of Sweden
Sovereign of the period
Charles XIV John of Sweden
1818–1844
Reigning in Sweden when the Beskow arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Sweden
In Sweden, a coat of arms belonged to a noble family as a whole rather than just one individual. These arms were passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants. Younger branches of the family used the same shield without needing to change it. This system ensured that the entire lineage shared the same identity and status under the law.
Granting authority
The Riddarhuset, or House of Nobility, regulated all noble coats of arms in Sweden under royal authority.
How they got arms
Families received their coats of arms through royal grants of nobility which were then officially registered with the House.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Swedish House of Nobility register starting in the year 1626.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Sweden.
Origin & History of the Beskow Family in Sweden
The Beskow family name has its roots in the German-speaking regions of Europe before it became a prominent fixture in Swedish society. The family first arrived in Sweden during the eighteenth century, eventually establishing a strong presence in Stockholm by the early 1840s. Many early members of the family were highly active in the city's intellectual and commercial life, working as successful merchants and influential figures in the arts. By 1843, the name was already well-regarded in the capital, reflecting the family's transition from immigrant origins to a respected position within the Swedish middle and upper classes. Their history is defined by a commitment to education and public service, which helped them secure a lasting legacy in the cultural development of Stockholm.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Beskow
Derived from the Slavic word bez, meaning without.
This name
BeskowA surname of Slavic origin likely referring to someone without kin or property.
also spelled
Beskoff
Besko
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Elgenstierna, Gustaf, Den introducerade svenska adelns ättartavlor, 1925
Beskow, Natanael, Beskow-släkten, 1930
Riksarkivet (National Archives of Sweden), Biographica: Beskow family records
Stockholms stadsarkiv (Stockholm City Archives), Överståthållarämbetet för uppbördsärenden, 1843
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
harpWell-tuned governance and love of music
knightChivalry and service in arms
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
harpWell-tuned governance and love of music
knightChivalry and service in arms
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
