A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Galarza family of Spain.
Reg. 1973 · Spanish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'or à un arbre de sin., senestré d'un ours au nat., rampant contre le fût; le tout soutenu d'une terrasse du sec.”
SpainProvinces basques, c. 1722
Where the Galarza Arms Were Recorded
Provinces basques
Map of Spain showing where the Galarza arms are recorded
The Galarza arms were recorded in Provinces basques, c. 1722.
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 Galarza 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 Galarza Family in Spain
The name Galarza originates from the Basque Country, a region known for its unique language and deep-rooted traditions. Etymologists believe the name is derived from the Basque words "galar," meaning a place of withered trees or a forest, and the suffix "tza," which often denotes a location or abundance. By the early 18th century, families bearing this name were well-established in the Basque provinces, where they lived as part of a society deeply connected to the land and local community governance. During this period, the Galarza family was part of a culture that emphasized ancestral homes and local identity, often maintaining strong ties to their specific village or valley. As these families grew, they became part of the broader history of northern Spain, eventually spreading across the region and beyond as they pursued new opportunities in trade and agriculture.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Galar
Basque term referring to a dry or withered branch or twig.
This name
GalarzaA topographic name derived from Basque meaning a place of dry branches.
also spelled
Galarze
Galarzo
Galarssa
Related arms
Carguizanorecorded with Galarza, same area
Echevarriarecorded with Galarza, same area
Eloriagarecorded with Galarza, same area
Fagoagarecorded with Galarza, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Koldo Mitxelena, Apellidos vascos, 1953
Luis Michelena, Toponimia vasca, 1961
Archivo Histórico Diocesano de San Sebastián, Registros parroquiales de bautismos y matrimonios, 1722
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
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
