A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cayman family of Belgium.
Reg. 3359 · Belgian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
swordJustice, and military honour
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Parti: au 1 d'arg. à l'aigle de sa.; au 2 de sa. à deux épées d'arg., garnies d'or, passées en saut., cant. de quatre trèfles d'arg. Au chef d'or, br. sur le parti et ch. d'un caïman de sin. [V. van den Brande.]”
BelgiumAlost, c. 1737
Where the Cayman Arms Were Recorded
Alost
Map of Belgium showing where the Cayman arms are recorded
The Cayman arms were recorded in Alost, c. 1737.
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 Cayman 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 Cayman Family in Belgium
The history of the Cayman family is deeply rooted in the town of Alost, which is located in the modern-day Flanders region of Belgium. By 1737, records confirm that members of the family were already established residents within this community. During the eighteenth century, Alost served as a significant center for trade and textile production, suggesting that the early Cayman family likely participated in the local economy as skilled craftspeople or merchants. The name itself likely evolved from regional dialects spoken in the Low Countries, reflecting the linguistic shifts common in the area during that period. As the family grew, they became integrated into the social fabric of the town, contributing to the daily life and administrative stability of the region for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gaius
Latin personal name of uncertain etymology, possibly meaning to rejoice.
This name
CaymanA patronymic surname derived from a diminutive form of the name Gaius.
also spelled
Kayman
Related arms
van den Brandensimilar arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Stadsarchief Aalst, Registers van de Burgerlijke Stand en Parochieregisters van Aalst
De Brouwer, J., De bevolking van Aalst in de 18e eeuw, 1967
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
swordJustice, and military honour
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
swordJustice, and military honour
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
