A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dura family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2042 · Spanish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“De sin. au lion d'or, surm. d'un croiss. d'arg. [La branche de l'île de Mayorque porte le lion d'arg., comme le croiss.]”
Spainc. 1722
Where the Dura Arms Were Recorded
Castile
Map of Spain showing where the Dura arms are recorded
The Dura 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 Dura 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 Dura Family in Spain
The family name Dura has deep roots in the historical landscape of Spain, particularly within the central region of Castile. By the early 18th century, records confirm that members of the Dura family were well-established in this area, living as part of the local social fabric during a time of significant transition for the Spanish monarchy. The name likely emerged from the linguistic traditions of the Iberian Peninsula, where surnames were often derived from descriptions of a person’s character or their specific place of residence. In the context of 1722 Castile, families like the Duras were often involved in the agricultural or administrative life of their local parishes. These early ancestors helped shape the identity of their communities through their daily labor and their participation in regional record-keeping. By studying these early traces, we gain a clearer picture of how the Dura name moved from a simple identifier to a lasting part of the Spanish heritage.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à deux lions affr. d'or, arm. et lamp. de gu., supp. ensemble une couronne du sec.”
NaplesNaples, c. 1775
Where the Dura Arms Were Recorded
Naples
Map of Italy showing where the Dura arms are recorded
The Dura arms were recorded in Naples, c. 1775.
Naples was the largest city in Italy and the seat of a kingdom. Its noble houses were numerous, and the kingdom kept formal lists of the families entitled to arms, which is why so many appear in the records.
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 Italy in this period.
Alvise Giovanni Mocenigo
Sovereign of the period
Alvise Giovanni Mocenigo
1763–1778
Reigning in Spain when the Dura arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Italy
In the Italian states, coats of arms were often used by noble families to show their status and history. These symbols were passed down through the generations to all legitimate male descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design but sometimes added small changes to distinguish their specific line from the main branch.
Granting authority
Various local rulers and city governments controlled the use of coats of arms across the different Italian states.
How they got arms
Families often assumed their own arms or received them as official grants from local lords, popes, or city councils.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in local city archives or private family books rather than in one single national register.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Naples.
Origin & History of the Dura Family in Italy
The family name Dura has deep roots in the vibrant urban landscape of Naples, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1775. During this period, Naples served as a major cultural and economic hub under the Bourbon monarchy, and families like the Dura were often integrated into the city’s complex social structure of merchants, artisans, or minor officials. The name itself likely evolved from local linguistic traditions, potentially reflecting a connection to the rugged geography of the region or specific personal traits recognized by the community. As residents of a bustling Mediterranean port, the early Dura family would have navigated the daily life of a kingdom defined by its artistic growth and its position as a gateway between Europe and the wider world. Their presence in the city archives during the late eighteenth century suggests they were active participants in the civic life of Naples during a time of significant transition and enlightenment.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Durus
Latin term meaning hard, stern, or enduring.
This name
DuraRefers to a person of a firm, hardy, or resilient character.
also spelled
Durae
Duras
Durah
Doora
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivo de la Real Chancillería de Valladolid, Registro de Ejecutorias
Archivo Histórico Nacional, Sección Nobleza
Moll, Francesc de Borja, Els llinatges catalans: Catalunya, País Valencià, Illes Balears, 1959
Pescador del Hoyo, María del Carmen, Apellidos en España, 1996
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
