A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gedda family of Sweden.
Reg. 6897 · Swedish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à la bande d'azur, ch. de trois quintefeuilles de gu.; aux 2 et 3 gironné de gu. et d'or. Sur le tout d'or à trois poissons nageants d'azur, l'un sur l'autre. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1º un poisson d'azur, posé en pal, entre un vol d'azur, chaque aile ch. d'une fleur-de-lis d'or; 1. d'arg. et de gu.; 2º la bande du 1, entre deux prob. coupées alt. d'or et de gu.; 1. d'or et d'azur. S.: deux chiens reg. d'arg., coll. et bouclés du même.”
Swedenc. 1730
Where the Gedda Arms Were Recorded
Stockholm
Map of Sweden showing where the Gedda arms are recorded
The Gedda arms were recorded in Sweden, c. 1730.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Stockholm.
Stockholm held the Swedish court and the House of Nobility, where every noble family's arms were entered and kept. Families ennobled for service registered there, which is why so many are recorded around the city.
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 Sweden in this period.
Frederick I of Sweden
Sovereign of the period
Frederick I of Sweden
1720–1751
Reigning in Sweden when the Gedda arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Sweden
In Sweden, a coat of arms belonged to a noble family as a whole rather than just one individual. These arms were passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants. Younger branches of the family used the same shield without needing to change it. This system ensured that the entire lineage shared the same identity and status under the law.
Granting authority
The Riddarhuset, or House of Nobility, regulated all noble coats of arms in Sweden under royal authority.
How they got arms
Families received their coats of arms through royal grants of nobility which were then officially registered with the House.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Swedish House of Nobility register starting in the year 1626.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Sweden.
Origin & History of the Gedda Family in Sweden
The family name Gedda has roots that trace back to the vibrant urban landscape of Stockholm during the early eighteenth century. By 1730, members of the family were already established residents within the capital city, participating in the social and professional life of the Swedish state. The name itself is often associated with the Swedish word "gädda," which means pike, suggesting that the family may have originally been linked to a specific location, a nickname, or a trade involving the waterways that define the city. As the family grew, they integrated into the administrative and merchant classes that helped shape Stockholm during the Age of Liberty. Their presence in official records from this era highlights a family that was well-connected and active in the development of the Swedish capital long before the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gädda
A predatory freshwater fish known as the northern pike.
This name
GeddaAn ornamental or topographic surname referring to a pike, likely adopted as a soldier name.
also spelled
Geda
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Stockholm City Archives (Stockholms stadsarkiv), Mantalslängder för Stockholms stad
National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet), Bouppteckningar från Stockholms rådhusrätt
Elgenstierna, Gustaf, Den introducerade svenska adelns ättartavlor, 1926
Lundkvist, Sven, Stockholms historia, 1967
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
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
cinquefoilHope and joy
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
cinquefoilHope and joy
