A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dalva family of Belgium.
Reg. 4872 · Belgian, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 deux fourches d'azur, passées en saut., acc. de deux coquilles de gu., 1 en chef et 1 en p. C.: un chaudron d'or, à cornière du même.”
LiegeLiege, c. 1737
Where the Dalva Arms Were Recorded
Liege
Map of Belgium showing where the Dalva arms are recorded
The Dalva arms were recorded in Liege, c. 1737.
Liege was a prosperous town and its surrounding country, living on metalworking and trade. Merchant families grew rich, bought land outside the walls, and took arms as landowners rather than tradesmen.
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 Dalva 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 Liege.
Origin & History of the Dalva Family in Belgium
The family name Dalva holds deep roots in the historical landscape of Liège, where records confirm the presence of family members as early as 1737. During the eighteenth century, Liège was a bustling center of trade and craftsmanship under the rule of the Prince-Bishopric, providing a dynamic environment for families to establish their livelihoods. The name itself likely evolved as a locative surname, which was a common practice at the time to identify individuals by the specific valley or region they called home. As the family integrated into the local community, they participated in the social and economic life of the city during a period of significant industrial growth. By maintaining a steady presence in this region, the early members of the Dalva family contributed to the long-standing cultural tapestry of the Meuse River valley.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
de Alva
Derived from the Spanish term for dawn or sunrise.
This name
DalvaRefers to a person who lived near a location associated with the dawn or eastern light.
also spelled
Dalve
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
State Archives in Liège (Archives de l'État à Liège), Registres paroissiaux (Parish Registers)
Kupper, Jean-Louis, Liège et l'Église impériale, 1981
Stiennon, Jacques, Histoire de Liège, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
