A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Boesen family of Denmark.
Reg. 0516 · Danish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Tranché de gu. sur azur; à la bande d'arg., br. sur le tranché.”
Denmarkc. 1722
Where the Boesen Arms Were Recorded
Sjaælland
Map of Denmark showing where the Boesen arms are recorded
The Boesen arms were recorded in Denmark, c. 1722.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Sjaælland.
Zealand held the Danish court, the crown's offices and Copenhagen itself. Families who served the king kept estates within reach of it, and royal service was the ordinary route to a coat of 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 Denmark in this period.
Frederik IV of Denmark
Sovereign of the period
Frederik IV of Denmark
1699–1730
Reigning in Denmark when the Boesen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Denmark
Danish heraldry during this period was closely tied to noble status and royal favor rather than being open to all citizens. Arms were typically granted by the monarch to individuals, and these symbols were then shared by all members of the noble house. If a family line died out, the right to use those specific arms ended with them.
Granting authority
The Danish royal chancery held the power to issue and regulate official coats of arms for the kingdom.
How they got arms
Families usually received their arms through a formal royal grant that confirmed their noble status and rights.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Danish Royal Chancery records starting in the sixteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Denmark.
Origin & History of the Boesen Family in Denmark
The surname Boesen is a patronymic name, which means it was originally formed by adding a suffix to a father’s given name to signify descent. In the Danish tradition, the name translates to "son of Bo," as the suffix "-sen" indicates a familial relationship. By the early 18th century, the Boesen family had established a clear presence on the island of Zealand, known in Danish as Sjælland. Historical records confirm that members of the family were living in this region by 1722. During this era, families in rural Denmark often lived in small agricultural communities where they worked the land or practiced local trades. Because the name was tied to a common given name like Bo, it likely emerged independently in several different locations, meaning that not all people named Boesen share a single common ancestor. Instead, the name reflects a widespread naming custom that helped identify individuals within their local parishes and village networks.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bo
A Norse name derived from the Old Norse word for to live.
This name
BoesenA patronymic surname meaning son of Bo, referring to a descendant of a resident.
also spelled
Boeson
Related arms
di Facinisimilar arms
Ergoldsbachsimilar arms
Ibsöesimilar arms
Kabbelsimilar arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Hald, Kristian. Personnavne i Danmark: Oldtiden. 1974
Nielsen, Oluf. Oldtidsminder i Sjælland. 1871
Rigsarkivet (The Danish National Archives), Kirkebøger for Sjællands Stift (Parish registers for the Diocese of Zealand)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
