A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Collins family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8477 · Dutch, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 au griffon d'arg., tenant entre ses pattes un écusson du même, ch. d'une ancre de sa.; le griffon acc. en p. d'une fleur-de-lis d'or; au chef denché d'arg., ch. de deux fleurs-de-lis du champ. C.: une tête et col de cheval d'arg., bridée de sa., coll. d'une couronne de laurier de sin.; le col ch. de trois fleurs-de-lis mal-ordonnées d'azur.”
NetherlandsRotterdam, c. 1815
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Map of Netherlands showing where the Collins arms are recorded
The Collins arms were recorded in Rotterdam, c. 1815.
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
Rotterdam
Town
Rotterdam
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Collins 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 Collins 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 Collins Family in Netherlands
The history of the Collins name in the Netherlands is deeply connected to the maritime and industrial growth of Rotterdam during the early nineteenth century. While the name itself has roots in the British Isles, its presence in the port city of Rotterdam by 1815 suggests that these early family members were likely part of the international merchant class or skilled laborers drawn to the city’s expanding trade networks. During this period, Rotterdam was transitioning from a period of political instability toward becoming a major European hub for shipping and logistics. Families like the Collins were often integrated into the local urban fabric through their roles in commerce or trade guilds. By settling in a bustling port, they became part of the diverse population that helped shape the modern identity of the city. Their presence in the official records of 1815 marks a significant point in their transition into Dutch society, reflecting the broader movement of people across the North Sea during the post-Napoleonic era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Vert, a griffin segreant or, beaked, legged, and ducally gorged ar”
KentKent, c. 1570
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Collins arms are recorded
The Collins arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1570.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats 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 England in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Netherlands when the Collins arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Kent.
Origin & History of the Collins Family in England
The surname Collins is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of someone named Colin. The name Colin itself is a diminutive form of Nicholas, a name that became incredibly popular across England following the Norman Conquest. By the time the family was firmly established in the county of Kent in 1570, the name had already been in use for several centuries. During the late 16th century, families in Kent were often involved in the thriving local agricultural economy or the growing trade networks centered around the English Channel. Living in this region meant that the Collins family was part of a society undergoing significant social and religious changes during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Because the name was tied to a common given name, it emerged independently in various parts of the country, reflecting a widespread cultural shift toward using fixed surnames to track lineage and property.
Collins Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Nicolaus
Derived from Greek words meaning victory of the people.
This name
CollinsA patronymic surname meaning son of Colin, which is a diminutive form of Nicholas.
also spelled
Colins
Collyns
Collens
Collyn
Colyn
Related arms
Cernersimilar arms
Lovibondsimilar arms
Colinsvariant spelling
Collensvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
