A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Carlsen family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 4589 · Danish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
helmetWisdom and security in defence
branchPeace, and new growth
Colours
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)
“D'Arg. à un casque de tournoi au nat., cour. d'or, taré de front, embrassé par deux branches de laurier de sin.”
Denmarkc. 1722
Where the Carlsen Arms Were Recorded
Sjaælland
Map of Denmark showing where the Carlsen arms are recorded
The Carlsen 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 Carlsen 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 Carlsen Family in Denmark
The family name Carlsen is a classic example of a patronymic surname, which means it was originally formed by combining a father’s given name with a suffix indicating descent. In Denmark, the name translates literally to "son of Carl." By the early 18th century, the name was firmly established on the island of Sjælland. Records from 1722 show that members of the family were living in this region, likely working as farmers or tradespeople within the local village structures of the time. During this period, surnames were not always fixed in the way they are today, as many people still used the traditional naming system where a son took his father's first name as his last name. As the family grew and settled into specific communities across Sjælland, the name transitioned from a temporary description of lineage into a permanent family identifier that was passed down through generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur à deux lions affr. d'or. Cq. cour. C.: trois pl. d'aut., une d'or entre deux d'azur.”
Germanyc. 1827
Where the Carlsen Arms Were Recorded
Bavaria
Map of Germany showing where the Carlsen arms are recorded
The Carlsen arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1827.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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 Germany in this period.
Frederick William III of Prussia
Sovereign of the period
Frederick William III of Prussia
1797–1840
Reigning in Denmark when the Carlsen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
Prussian heraldry was strictly tied to social rank and noble status rather than being a free choice for every citizen. These symbols were treated as permanent family property that moved through the generations to all legitimate heirs. If a family branch wanted to change their design to stand out, they had to apply for official permission to alter their specific version of the shield.
Granting authority
The Prussian Heroldsamt acted as the central state office that managed and strictly controlled all noble titles and coats of arms.
How they got arms
Families usually obtained their arms through formal royal grants or by proving their long-standing noble status to the state authorities.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms were kept in the rolls of the Prussian Heroldsamt, which functioned from 1706 until 1918.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Carlsen Family in Germany
The surname Carlsen is a patronymic name, which means it was originally formed by adding a suffix to a father’s given name. In this case, the name signifies "son of Carl." While the name is often associated with Scandinavian regions, its presence in Bavaria by 1827 highlights the movement of families across Central Europe during the nineteenth century. During this era, Bavaria was undergoing significant social and administrative changes as it transitioned into a modern kingdom. Families like the Carlsens were often part of the growing professional or artisan classes that moved between German states to find work or settle on new land. The spelling of the name likely stabilized during this period as local governments began to keep more formal birth and marriage registries to track their citizens. By settling in Bavaria, these early family members became part of a regional culture defined by strong local traditions and a shifting political landscape in the years following the Napoleonic Wars.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Karl
A Germanic word meaning free man or peasant.
This name
CarlsenPatronymic surname meaning son of Karl.
also spelled
Karlsen
Carlson
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Karker, Allan. Dansk Navneskik. 1993
Stig Jensen, Jørgen. Danske Efternavne. 1998
Rigsarkivet, Kirkebøger for Sjællands Stift
Rigsarkivet, Folketællinger og lægdsruller
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
helmetWisdom and security in defence
branchPeace, and new growth
helmetWisdom and security in defence
branchPeace, and new growth
lionCourage, strength and royalty
