A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Goncalves family of Belgium.
Reg. 2914 · Belgian, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ec.: au 1 d'or à trois fasces de gu.; au 2 d'or à un arbre de sin., mouv. de la p., au 3 d'or à une rose de gu., bout. d'or, barbée de sin.; au 4 d'arg. à trois fasces ondées d'azur.”
HainautHainaut, c. 1737
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Map of Belgium showing where the Goncalves arms are recorded
The Goncalves arms were recorded in Hainaut, c. 1737.
Hainaut sat on the border between France and the Low Countries and was fought over for centuries. Families there held their land under arms and expected to defend it, so a shield was a working thing.
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 Belgium in this period.
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
1711–1740
Reigning in Belgium when the Goncalves arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Belgium
In Belgium, a coat of arms is considered personal property that is passed down through the male line to legitimate descendants. Families often use the same shield design across generations to show their shared heritage. If a branch of the family wants to change the design, they must apply for an official update to their specific version of the arms.
Granting authority
The Conseil héraldique is the official body that regulates and approves all coats of arms in Belgium.
How they got arms
Families obtain their coats of arms through formal royal grants or by confirming their historical right to use existing designs.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms are officially recorded in the public registers of the Conseil héraldique since 1844.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Hainaut.
Origin & History of the Goncalves Family in Belgium
The surname Gonçalves is a patronymic name of Portuguese origin, meaning son of Gonçalo. The name Gonçalo itself is derived from the medieval Germanic name Gundisalvus, which combines the elements for battle and elf. While the name is deeply rooted in the Iberian Peninsula, the presence of the family in the region of Hainaut by 1737 suggests a history of migration and movement across Europe. During the eighteenth century, individuals often traveled across borders for trade, military service, or religious reasons. Settling in Hainaut, a territory that spanned parts of modern-day Belgium and France, indicates that early members of this family were likely part of the mobile workforce that connected different European regions during the Enlightenment era. This transition from a Mediterranean origin to a northern European residence highlights how names and families adapted to new cultural landscapes over several generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gundisalvus
Derived from the Germanic elements for battle and war.
This name
GoncalvesA patronymic surname meaning son of the one who is ready for battle.
also spelled
Gonsales
Gonzalez
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Faure, R., Ribes, M. A., and García, A., Diccionario de apellidos españoles, 2009
Moll, F. de B., Els llinatges catalans, 1982
State Archives in Belgium (Archives de l'État en Belgique), Registres paroissiaux de la province de Hainaut
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
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
