A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the de Pauw family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Ec.: au 1 d'or à trois navets au nat., les queues en bas; au 2 d'azur à deux”
The de Pauw arms were recorded in Middelbourg, 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.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
Reigning in Netherlands when the de Pauw arms are first recorded.
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.
The family name de Pauw has deep roots in the Low Countries, where it originated as a descriptive surname often linked to the Dutch word for peacock. By the early nineteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the historic trading city of Middelburg. During this period, Middelburg served as a vital hub for commerce and administration, and the de Pauw family integrated into the local social and economic life of the Zeeland province. Records from 1815 confirm their residency in this region, reflecting a time when the Netherlands was transitioning into a new kingdom following the Napoleonic era. The family name likely spread through the interconnected canal cities of the region, as members engaged in the professional and civic activities that defined the Dutch urban middle class at the time.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
peacockBeauty, power and knowledgeJ. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'arg. au chev. de gu., acc. de trois têtes et cols de paon d'azur. C.: un paon rouant, iss.”
The de Pauw arms were recorded in Gand, c. 1737.
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.
Reigning in Netherlands when the de Pauw arms are first recorded.
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.
The name de Pauw is deeply rooted in the history of Flanders, particularly within the city of Ghent. By the year 1737, records confirm that members of the family were already well-established residents in this region. The name itself is derived from the Middle Dutch word for peacock, which was often used as a nickname for a person who was proud or perhaps dressed in a flashy manner. During the eighteenth century, Ghent was a thriving center for the textile industry and trade, providing a stable environment for families like the de Pauws to grow their influence. As citizens of a major urban hub, early family members likely participated in the local guild system or the active merchant culture that defined Belgian life at the time. Their presence in the city archives during this period highlights a long-standing connection to the social and economic development of the region.
Latin term for the bird known as a peacock.
