A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Croy family of Belgium.
Reg. 2901 · Belgian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
axeThe execution of military duty
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)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à trois fasces de gu. (Croy); aux 2 et 3 d'arg. à trois doloires de gu., les deux du chef adossées (Renty). Cq. cour. C.: une tête et col de chien braque de sa., coll. et bouclée d'or, languée de gu.; entre un vol-banneret de gu. et d'arg. Manteau de gu., doublé d'herm., sommé de la couronne princière. D.: SOUVENANCE. [La branche de France porte: aux 1 et 4 c.-éc. de La-laing et de Croy; aux 2 et 3 c.-éc. de France et d'Albret et sur le tout de Bretagne. Sur le tout fascé d'arg. et de gu., de huit pièces (Hongrie). D.: JE MAINTIENDRAY.]”
BrabantBrabant, c. 1470
Where the Croy Arms Were Recorded
Brabant
Map of Belgium showing where the Croy arms are recorded
The Croy arms were recorded in Brabant, c. 1470.
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.
Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor
1440–1493
Reigning in Belgium when the Croy 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 Croy Family in Belgium
The Croy family rose to prominence as one of the most influential noble houses in the Low Countries during the late Middle Ages. By 1470, the family held significant power in the Duchy of Brabant, where they served as trusted advisors to the Dukes of Burgundy. Their rise was fueled by strategic marriages and their ability to navigate the complex politics of the Burgundian court. Members of the family frequently held high-ranking positions in the government and the military, which allowed them to expand their landholdings across modern-day Belgium and France. Because of their close relationship with the ruling dukes, the family became central figures in the administration of the region, helping to shape the cultural and political landscape of the fifteenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Croix
Derived from the Latin word crux meaning a cross.
This name
CroyA topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent roadside cross or crucifix.
also spelled
Kroy
Croye
Croi
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Brabant, J., Histoire de la Maison de Croÿ, 1950
Paravicini, W., Die Aufsteiger des 15. Jahrhunderts: Die Familie von Croÿ, 1995
Archives de l'État en Belgique, Fonds de la famille de Croÿ, 1400–1600
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
axeThe execution of military duty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
axeThe execution of military duty
