A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the del Castillo family of Spain.
Reg. 6040 · Spanish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Parti: au 1 de gu. à un château d'or, portillé d'azur; au 2 d'arg. à un arbre au nat., le tronc accolé d'un serpent d'arg. [Comp. Almiron del Castillo.]”
Spainc. 1722
Where the del Castillo Arms Were Recorded
Castile
Map of Spain showing where the del Castillo arms are recorded
The del Castillo arms were recorded in Spain, c. 1722.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Castile.
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 del Castillo 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 Spain.
Origin & History of the del Castillo Family in Spain
The surname del Castillo is a classic example of a topographic name, which means it was originally given to people based on the landscape where they lived. In the Spanish language, the name translates literally to "of the castle." During the Middle Ages, many families adopted this name because they lived near a fortress or served as guards for a local castle. By the year 1722, the family was well-established in the region of Castile, a central area of Spain that played a vital role in the formation of the modern Spanish nation. Because Castile was a central hub for government and military power, families with this name were often connected to the administrative or defensive structures of the kingdom. Over many generations, the name spread from these fortified locations to become a common identifier for families throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Castellum
A Latin term referring to a small fort or castle.
This name
del CastilloIndicates a person who lived near or worked at a castle.
also spelled
del Castilo
del Castill
del Castiyo
Castillo
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Moll, Francesc de Borja, Els llinatges catalans, 1959
Faure, Roberto, Diccionario de apellidos españoles, 2001
Archivo General de Simancas, Registro General del Sello, 1475–1820
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
