A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brussell family of Belgium.
Reg. 5428 · Belgian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. a lion ramp. az. a chief gu”
Belgiumc. 1737
Where the Brussell Arms Were Recorded
Brabant
Map of Belgium showing where the Brussell arms are recorded
The Brussell arms were recorded in Belgium, c. 1737.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Brabant.
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 Brussell 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 Belgium.
Origin & History of the Brussell Family in Belgium
The family name Brussell is deeply rooted in the historical region of Brabant, where records confirm the presence of family members as early as 1737. The name is widely considered a locative surname, meaning it was likely adopted by individuals who migrated from the city of Brussels to other parts of the Low Countries. During the eighteenth century, Brabant was a center of trade and agriculture, and families often identified themselves by their place of origin to distinguish their lineage in a growing population. As these early ancestors moved through the region, the spelling of the name evolved to reflect local dialects and regional phonetic shifts. This transition from a geographic identifier to a permanent family name highlights the mobility of people living in the Duchy of Brabant during a time of significant social and economic change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bruocsella
A settlement located in a marsh or swampy area.
This name
BrussellRefers to a person who originated from the city of Brussels.
also spelled
Bruselle
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Fruin, Robert, Geschiedenis der Staatsinstellingen in Nederland tot den val der Republiek, 1901
State Archives in Belgium, Parochieregisters van de provincie Brabant, 1737
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
