A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Clarisse family of Belgium.
Reg. 0724 · Belgian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à la croix de sa., bordé d'or et ch. en coeur d'un soleil d'or. Brl. d'arg. et d'azur. C.: un miroir ovale d'arg., encadré et emm. d'or; entre un vol de sa.”
BrabantBrabant, c. 1737
Where the Clarisse Arms Were Recorded
Brabant
Map of Belgium showing where the Clarisse arms are recorded
The Clarisse arms were recorded in Brabant, c. 1737.
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 Clarisse 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 Brabant.
Origin & History of the Clarisse Family in Belgium
The family name Clarisse traces its roots back to the Latin word clarus, which means bright, clear, or famous. By the early eighteenth century, the family was well-established in the region of Brabant. Records from 1737 confirm their presence in this area, which was then part of the Southern Netherlands. During this period, the family likely lived in a society shaped by agricultural traditions and local trade. Families in Brabant often stayed in the same communities for generations, which helped the name remain consistent in official church and civil registers. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the history of the region through their work and daily lives.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Clarus
Latin term meaning clear, bright, or famous.
This name
ClarisseA feminine name signifying brightness, clarity, and purity of character.
also spelled
Clarysse
Clarise
Clariss
Klaris
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives: State Archives in Belgium (Rijksarchief in België), Parish Registers of the Duchy of Brabant (Parochieregisters van het Hertogdom Brabant)
Books: Debrabandere, Frans, Woordenboek van de familienamen in België en Noord-Frankrijk, 2003
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
cross symbolChristian faith and service
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
