A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fanson family of Belgium.
Reg. 6725 · Belgian, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 la croix d'arg., ch. de cinq coquilles de sa. Cq. cour. C.: un bouc iss. d'arg., accorné, barbé et onglé d'or, posé de front. L. d'arg. et d'azur. S.: deux boucs d'arg., accornés, barbés et onglés d'or, tenant chacun une bannière, celle à dextre d'or à l'aigle ép. de sa., celle à sen. aux armes de l'écu.”
Belgiumc. 1656
Where the Fanson Arms Were Recorded
Brabant
Map of Belgium showing where the Fanson arms are recorded
The Fanson arms were recorded in Belgium, c. 1656.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Brabant.
Brabant lay at the heart of the Low Countries, where the trade routes met. Its towns were wealthy and its landowners many, and both kinds of family kept arms, which is why the region is so heavily represented.
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 Belgium in this period.
Philip IV of Spain
Sovereign of the period
Philip IV of Spain
1621–1665
Reigning in Belgium when the Fanson arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Belgium
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.
Granting authority
The Conseil héraldique is the official body that regulates and approves all coats of arms in Belgium.
How they got arms
Families obtain their coats of arms through formal royal grants or by confirming their historical right to use existing designs.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms are officially recorded in the public registers of the Conseil héraldique since 1844.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Belgium.
Origin & History of the Fanson Family in Belgium
The family name Fanson traces its roots to the historical region of Brabant, where members of the family were documented as early as 1656. During the seventeenth century, this area was a vibrant center of trade and agriculture located within the Spanish Netherlands. Families living in this region often identified themselves through their local occupations or their connection to specific villages. The name likely evolved as a way to distinguish this particular lineage within the growing population of the Low Countries. As the family moved and interacted with neighboring communities, the name became a permanent marker of their heritage. This early presence in Brabant suggests that the family was part of the established social fabric of the region during a time of significant cultural and political transition.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Franciscus
Latin name meaning a Frenchman or a free man.
This name
FansonA patronymic surname derived from a diminutive form of Francis, meaning son of Frank.
also spelled
Selys-Fanson
Sely de Fanson
Selys
Fanson
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives: State Archives in Belgium (Rijksarchief), Parochieregisters van Brabant
Archives: City Archives of Leuven (Stadsarchief Leuven), Bevolkingsregisters en doopregisters
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
