A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Colins family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2059 · Dutch, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
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 une rose d'or, bout. et”
Netherlandsc. 1815
Where the Colins Arms Were Recorded
Friesland
Map of Netherlands showing where the Colins arms are recorded
The Colins arms were recorded in Netherlands, c. 1815.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Friesland.
Friesland was low, wet country on the northern coast of the Netherlands, farmed by families who had held the same land for centuries. Free landholders were unusually common there, and a free landholder could carry 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.
Region
Friesland
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Colins Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Colins arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Netherlands.
Origin & History of the Colins Family in Netherlands
The surname Colins carries a rich history that reflects the naming traditions of the northern Netherlands. In the early nineteenth century, the family was firmly established in the province of Friesland, a region known for its unique culture and independent spirit. During this period, the Netherlands underwent significant changes in how citizens registered their identities. In 1811, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered that all Dutch citizens adopt fixed family names to make tax collection and military conscription more efficient. Before this mandate, many families in rural areas used patronymics, which meant a person’s last name changed based on their father’s first name. The appearance of the name Colins in 1815 records suggests that the family chose to formalize a name derived from the personal name Colin, which is a common diminutive of Nicholas. By settling in Friesland, the family became part of a long tradition of Frisian landholders and laborers who helped shape the local economy and social structure of the northern provinces.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 la bande de gu., acc. de six tourt. du même, rangés en orle. C.: un vol, aux armes de l'écu.”
Belgiumc. 1737
Where the Colins Arms Were Recorded
Brabant
Map of Belgium showing where the Colins arms are recorded
The Colins 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 Netherlands when the Colins 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 Colins Family in Belgium
The family name Colins has deep roots in the historical region of Brabant, where members of the family were documented as early as 1737. During this period, the name was closely tied to the social and economic fabric of the Low Countries, a region defined by its complex network of trade and local governance. Families like the Colins often lived in areas characterized by shifting borders and changing political powers, which required them to be adaptable and resilient. By the mid-18th century, individuals bearing this name were part of a growing class of citizens who contributed to the local administration and agricultural life of the Brabant duchy. Their presence in official records from this time suggests they were established members of their communities, likely involved in the daily commerce and civic duties that kept the region functioning during a time of transition.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Nicolaus
Derived from Greek words meaning victory of the people.
This name
ColinsA patronymic surname meaning son of Colin, which is a diminutive form of Nicholas.
also spelled
Collin
Collins
Related arms
Cromman de Crommanshofsame arms
Collinvariant spelling
Collinsvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Meertens, P.J., De betekenis van de Nederlandse familienamen, 1957
Tresoar (Fries Historisch en Letterkundig Centrum), Burgerlijke Stand van Friesland (1811-1950)
Van der Schaar, J., Woordenboek van voornamen, 1964
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
