A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gein family of Netherlands.
Reg. 4252 · Dutch, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 d'or à un pélican avec ses petits; sans aire, au nat.; au 2 fascé de sin. et d'arg. de six pièces. C.: les meubles du 1. L. de sin. et d'arg.”
Netherlandsc. 1815
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Map of Netherlands showing where the Gein arms are recorded
The Gein arms were recorded in Netherlands, c. 1815.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Friesland.
Friesland was low, wet country on the northern coast of the Netherlands, farmed by families who had held the same land for centuries. Free landholders were unusually common there, and a free landholder could carry arms.
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.
Region
Friesland
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Gein Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Gein arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Netherlands.
Origin & History of the Gein Family in Netherlands
The family name Gein finds its historical roots in the northern region of the Netherlands known as Friesland. By the early nineteenth century, records confirm that members of the family were established residents in this coastal area. The name likely developed from local linguistic patterns common to the Frisian language, which is distinct from standard Dutch. During this period, the region was undergoing significant social changes following the end of French rule in 1813. Families in Friesland often lived in close-knit agricultural communities where surnames were becoming more formalized for tax and census purposes. Because Friesland has a long history of independent traditions, the Gein family would have been part of a society that valued local autonomy and strong ties to the land. Over time, the family name became a permanent marker of their ancestral connection to this specific northern province.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Geyne
A Middle Dutch term referring to a small river or stream.
This name
GeinA topographic name for someone who lived near a specific watercourse or brook.
also spelled
Gewyn
Gevin
Gewinn
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Tresoar: Frysk Histoarysk en Letterkundich Sintrum, Bevolkingsregisters van Friesland (1811-1850)
Tresoar: Frysk Histoarysk en Letterkundich Sintrum, Burgerlijke Stand van Friesland (1811-1950)
H.T.J. Miedema, Naamkunde van Friesland, 1970
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
