A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bevers family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 3563 · Dutch, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
otterOne who lives life to the full
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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'arg. à deux castors ramp. et affr. de sa., soutenus d'une terrasse de sin. [Comp. Tresel Bevers.]”
ZeelandZeeland, c. 1815
Where the Bevers Arms Were Recorded
Zeeland
Map of Netherlands showing where the Bevers arms are recorded
The Bevers arms were recorded in Zeeland, c. 1815.
Zeeland was a scatter of islands in the south-west of the Netherlands, living on the sea and on land reclaimed from it. Families who drained and held that land were counted among the gentry, and gentry 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
Zeeland
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Bevers Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Bevers arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Zeeland.
Origin & History of the Bevers Family in Netherlands
The surname Bevers is a patronymic or descriptive name that likely originated from the Middle Dutch word for beaver, which is *bever*. In the Netherlands, many families adopted surnames based on animals or natural features to distinguish themselves in growing communities. By the early 19th century, the Bevers family had established a notable presence in the province of Zeeland. This region is famous for its unique geography of islands and reclaimed land, which required residents to be highly adaptable and resilient. Records from 1815 show members of the family living in this coastal area, where they were likely involved in the local maritime trade or agricultural work that defined the Zeeland economy at the time. As the Netherlands began to standardize civil registration during the Napoleonic era, families like the Bevers helped shape the social fabric of these island communities through their daily labor and local connections.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Per pale or and az. on a chief indented sa. three lions ramp. of the first”
NorfolkOxon · Norfolk, c. 1620
Where the Bevers Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Bevers arms are recorded
The Bevers arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Netherlands when the Bevers 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Bevers Family in England
The surname Bevers is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, where it likely originated as a descriptive name for people who lived near a beaver colony or worked as hunters of the animal. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Norfolk. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Bevers family were settled in this region, which was a hub for trade and agriculture at the time. Life in Norfolk during this period was shaped by the proximity to the North Sea and the expansion of local parish communities. As the family grew, they integrated into the social fabric of East Anglia, contributing to the local economy and the development of the rural landscape. This early history reflects the broader movement of families who settled in specific English counties to build stable lives based on land and community ties.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bever
A semi-aquatic mammal known for building dams and gnawing wood.
This name
BeversA habitational or occupational name referring to someone who lived near a beaver habitat or hunted them.
also spelled
Bever
Beverss
Beaver
Beever
Related arms
Beavervariant spelling
Cranagerecorded with Bevers, same area
Ermingloorecorded with Bevers, same area
Melliarrecorded with Bevers, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Zeeuws Archief, Burgerlijke Stand Zeeland (1811–1950)
Meertens, P.J., De Zeeuwse familienamen: Ontstaan en geschiedenis, 1947
Winkler, Johan, De Nederlandsche geslachtsnamen in oorsprong, geschiedenis en beteekenis, 1885
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
otterOne who lives life to the full
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
otterOne who lives life to the full
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
