A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Govert family of Netherlands.
Reg. 6822 · Dutch, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Parti: au 1 d'or à la demi-aigle de sa., mouv. du parti; au 2 coupé: a. d'arg. à un arbre terrassé de sin.; b. d'azur à une rose d'arg. C.: un arbre de sin.”
FrieslandFriesland, c. 1815
Where the Govert Arms Were Recorded
Friesland
Map of Netherlands showing where the Govert arms are recorded
The Govert arms were recorded in Friesland, c. 1815.
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 Govert 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 Govert 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 Friesland.
Origin & History of the Govert Family in Netherlands
The name Govert originates from the Germanic personal name Godefrid, which combines the words for god and peace. Over many centuries, this name evolved through various regional dialects and eventually became a fixed surname as families began to adopt permanent last names. By the early nineteenth century, the Govert family was well-established in the northern Dutch province of Friesland. During this period, the region was undergoing significant social changes following the end of the Napoleonic era. The family members living in Friesland in 1815 were part of a society that was transitioning toward modern civil registration, which required families to formally record their names and lineages with the government for the first time. This shift helped solidify the spelling and identity of the Govert name as it was passed down through subsequent generations in the Netherlands.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Godefrid
Derived from Germanic elements meaning god and peace or protection.
This name
GovertA Dutch variant of Godfrey, signifying one who enjoys divine peace or protection.
also spelled
Govertz
Govert
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Meertens, P.J., Voornamen in Nederland, 1956
Van der Schaar, J., Woordenboek van voornamen, 1964
Tresoar (Fries Historisch en Letterkundig Centrum), Burgerlijke Stand van Friesland (1811–1950)
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
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
