A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Davidoff family of Russia.
Reg. 5113 · Russian, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 de gu. à l'aigle d'arg.; aux 2 et 3 d'azur à un arc bandé, d'arg., ch. de sa flèche, et acc. de trois étoiles mal-ordonnées du même. Sur le tout de gu. à un croiss. versé, sommé d'une croix, acc. en p. d'une étoile, le tout d'arg.”
Russiac. 1784
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Map of Russia showing where the Davidoff arms are recorded
The Davidoff arms were recorded in Russia, c. 1784.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Moscow.
Moscow held the Russian court, and rank there came from service rather than land. Families who served the Tsar were entered in the registers of nobility, and that entry is where their arms are recorded.
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 Russia in this period.
Catherine II of Russia
Sovereign of the period
Catherine II of Russia
1762–1796
Reigning in Russia when the Davidoff arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Russia
Russian heraldry was strictly tied to the nobility and the state service system. Families proved their ancient status or earned new rank to receive an official grant from the Tsar. These symbols were then inherited by all legitimate children of the noble line. If a family lacked proof of their status, they were often excluded from the official records entirely.
Granting authority
The Herald Master's Office acted as the central state body that strictly regulated and verified all noble heraldic symbols.
How they got arms
Families typically received their arms through a formal state grant or by proving their noble status to the government authorities.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms were officially recorded in the General Armorial of the Noble Families of the Russian Empire starting in 1797.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Russia.
Origin & History of the Davidoff Family in Russia
The surname Davidoff, or Davydov, is a patronymic name derived from the given name David, which means beloved in Hebrew. By the late 18th century, the family had established a notable presence in Moscow, where they were integrated into the social and administrative fabric of the city by 1784. During this period, the family name was associated with members of the landed gentry and military officers who played active roles in the governance and defense of the Russian Empire. As the family grew in prominence, they became well-known for their contributions to Russian literature, military strategy, and the arts. The name reflects a long history of service to the state and a deep connection to the cultural evolution of Moscow during the Enlightenment era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
David
A Hebrew name meaning beloved or friend.
This name
DavidoffA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person named David.
also spelled
Davydov
Davidov
Davidof
Davidoff
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dolgorukov, Petr Vladimirovich, Rossiiskaya rodoslovnaya kniga, 1854
Rummel, Vitold Vladislavovich and Golubtsov, Vladimir Vladimirovich, Rodoslovnyi sbornik russkikh dvoryanskikh familii, 1886
Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts (RGADA), Fond 286: Heraldry Office of the Governing Senate
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
