Map of Spain showing where the Cruz arms are recorded
The Cruz arms were recorded in Castile, c. 1722.
Castile was the heart of Spain and the source of most of its noble families. Land won in the long wars against the Moors was granted out to fighting men, and a man granted land was granted arms along with it.
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 Spain in this period.
Philip V of Spain
Sovereign of the period
Philip V of Spain
1714–1724
Reigning in Spain when the Cruz arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Spain
In Spain, a coat of arms was considered a form of property that belonged to the entire family line. These arms were passed down from a father to all his children equally. Younger branches of the family usually kept the original design without needing to add any special marks to distinguish their specific line.
Granting authority
The Cronista Rey de Armas was the official body that regulated and granted coats of arms throughout Spain.
How they got arms
Families often obtained their arms through royal grants or by proving their noble status to the official heraldic authority.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the registers of the Cronista Rey de Armas starting in 1496.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Castile.
Origin & History of the Cruz Family in Spain
The surname Cruz is a topographic name that originated in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically within the region of Castile. It was historically given to families who lived near a prominent stone cross or a crossroads, which served as a significant landmark in their local community. By the year 1722, records confirm that members of the Cruz family were well-established in the Castilian landscape, where they were likely involved in the agricultural and social life of the rural provinces. Because the name is derived from a common religious and physical symbol, it was adopted independently by various families across different Spanish regions. This practice resulted in a widespread distribution of the name, as it reflected the daily environment of those who lived in the shadow of these markers. Over time, the name became a permanent identifier for these lineages as they moved through the administrative and parish systems of the Spanish kingdom.
Cruz Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Crux
A Latin term referring to a wooden frame or cross.
This name
CruzA topographic or religious surname denoting someone who lived near a cross or participated in crusades.
also spelled
Crus
Kruz
Crooz
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Albaigès, Josep M., Diccionario de nombres de personas, 1993
Moll, Francesc de B., Els llinatges catalans: Catalunya, País Valencià, Illes Balears, 1959
Archivo Histórico Nacional, Sección Nobleza, Genealogías y expedientes de limpieza de sangre
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
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cross symbolChristian faith and service
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
