A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the de Meyer family of Netherlands.
Reg. 6941 · Dutch, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
duckResourcefulness on land and water
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“De gu. à trois canettes d'arg.; au chef du même, ch. de trois pals du champ.”
NetherlandsAmsterdam, c. 1815
Where the de Meyer Arms Were Recorded
Amsterdam
Map of Netherlands showing where the de Meyer arms are recorded
The de Meyer arms were recorded in Amsterdam, 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
Amsterdam
Town
Amsterdam
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the de Meyer 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 de Meyer 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 de Meyer Family in Netherlands
The surname de Meyer is a classic occupational name that originated in the Low Countries, derived from the Middle Dutch word "meier." Historically, this title referred to a steward, a bailiff, or a person who managed land on behalf of a nobleman or a religious institution. By the time the family was firmly established in Amsterdam in 1815, the name had evolved from a professional description into a hereditary surname passed down through generations. During the early nineteenth century, Amsterdam was a bustling center of trade and social change following the end of the Napoleonic era. Families like the de Meyers were often integrated into the city’s growing merchant class, contributing to the urban development and administrative life of the Netherlands. The name reflects a long history of connection to land management and civic responsibility that defined the social structure of the region for centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
maior
Latin term meaning greater, superior, or a person of higher rank.
This name
de MeyerRefers to a steward, bailiff, or an official managing a large estate or household.
also spelled
de Meijer
de Meiere
de Meierre
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Debrabandere, Frans. Woordenboek van de familienamen in België en Noord-Frankrijk. 2003
Stadsarchief Amsterdam. Bevolkingsregister van Amsterdam. 1815
Van der Schaar, Jo. Woordenboek van voornamen. 1964
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
duckResourcefulness on land and water
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
duckResourcefulness on land and water
