A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Frias family of Spain.
Reg. 5733 · Spanish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à la bande de gu.; à une tour sommée d'une tourelle d'azur, br. sur la bande, un pommier de sin., fruité de gu., br. sur la tour, et un lévrier d'arg., attaché à la porte de la tour, br. sur le fût de l'arbre. L'écu entouré d'une bord. d'arg., ch. de huit flanchis de gu.”
CastileCastile, c. 1722
Where the Frias Arms Were Recorded
Castile
Map of Spain showing where the Frias arms are recorded
The Frias arms were recorded in Castile, c. 1722.
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 Frias 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 Castile.
Origin & History of the Frias Family in Spain
The surname Frias originates from the northern regions of Spain, specifically taking its name from the town of Frías located in the province of Burgos. During the Middle Ages, it was common for families to adopt the name of the place where they lived or held land. By the early 18th century, the family had established a firm presence in the kingdom of Castile, which served as a central hub for Spanish history and culture during that era. Records from 1722 confirm that members of the Frias family were active participants in the social and administrative life of the Castilian region. As the family grew, they moved across different parts of the Iberian Peninsula and eventually traveled to the Americas, helping to spread the name across various Spanish-speaking territories. Their history reflects the broader movement of people who helped shape the development of local communities throughout the Spanish Empire.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Frigidus
Latin term meaning cold or chilly.
This name
FriasRefers to a person who lived in or originated from a cold or frigid location.
also spelled
Friass
Fria
Freeas
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Moll, Francesc de Borja, Els llinatges catalans, 1959
Pescador del Hoyo, María del Carmen, Archivo de la Real Chancillería de Valladolid: Registro de Ejecutorias, 1975
Archivo General de Simancas, Consejo y Juntas de Hacienda, Legajo 1722
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
