A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gaona family of Spain.
Reg. 5333 · Spanish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
saltire coupedResolution, and the cross of St Andrew
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 chaudières d'or, l'une sur l'autre, avec plusieurs serpents du même iss. de chaque chaudière près des attaches des cornières; à la bord. de gu., ch. de huit flanchis d'or.”
SpainBiscaye, c. 1722
Where the Gaona Arms Were Recorded
Biscaye
Map of Spain showing where the Gaona arms are recorded
The Gaona arms were recorded in Biscaye, 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 Gaona 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 Gaona Family in Spain
The Gaona family name finds its historical roots in the rugged landscape of the Basque Country, specifically within the province of Biscay. By the early 18th century, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this region, which was known for its distinct language and strong maritime traditions. The name itself is thought to be topographical, likely derived from the Basque word "gaona," which refers to a high or elevated place. This suggests that the earliest ancestors of the family may have lived on a hillside or a mountain ridge, a common practice for naming families in northern Spain during the Middle Ages. As the family grew, they became deeply integrated into the local social and economic life of Biscay, contributing to the development of the region before many branches eventually migrated to other parts of the Spanish Empire.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gau-
A Germanic element associated with a district, region, or territory.
This name
GaonaDerived from a topographic reference to someone living in a specific rural district or region.
also spelled
Gaon
Gaonas
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Gorosabel, Pablo de. Diccionario histórico-geográfico-descriptivo de los pueblos, valles, partidos, alcaldías y uniones de Guipúzcoa. 1862
Mendiburu, Manuel de. Diccionario histórico-biográfico del Perú. 1874
Archivo Histórico de la Nobleza. Sección Nobleza, Familia Gaona
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
saltire coupedResolution, and the cross of St Andrew
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
saltire coupedResolution, and the cross of St Andrew
