A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gravel family of Denmark.
Reg. 1936 · Danish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Coupé: au 1 éc. de gu. et d'or, cet écartelé mantelé d'azur à trois étoiles d'or rangées en chef; au 2 d'arg. à trois roses de gu. C.: deux prob., coupées alt. d'or et de gu.”
Denmarkc. 1722
Where the Gravel Arms Were Recorded
Sjaælland
Map of Denmark showing where the Gravel arms are recorded
The Gravel arms were recorded in Denmark, c. 1722.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Sjaælland.
Zealand held the Danish court, the crown's offices and Copenhagen itself. Families who served the king kept estates within reach of it, and royal service was the ordinary route to a coat of 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.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Denmark in this period.
Frederik IV of Denmark
Sovereign of the period
Frederik IV of Denmark
1699–1730
Reigning in Denmark when the Gravel arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Denmark
Danish heraldry during this period was closely tied to noble status and royal favor rather than being open to all citizens. Arms were typically granted by the monarch to individuals, and these symbols were then shared by all members of the noble house. If a family line died out, the right to use those specific arms ended with them.
Granting authority
The Danish royal chancery held the power to issue and regulate official coats of arms for the kingdom.
How they got arms
Families usually received their arms through a formal royal grant that confirmed their noble status and rights.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Danish Royal Chancery records starting in the sixteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Denmark.
Origin & History of the Gravel Family in Denmark
The family name Gravel has deep roots in the Danish landscape of Zealand, known locally as Sjælland. By the year 1722, records confirm that members of the family were already established in this region, living within a society defined by agricultural traditions and local parish life. The name itself is thought to be descriptive, likely originating from the Old French word "gravele," which refers to coarse sand or gravel. In a historical context, such names were often given to people who lived near a specific landmark, such as a sandy riverbank or a rocky path. As these early ancestors navigated the social structures of 18th-century Denmark, they were part of a growing class of families who were beginning to use fixed surnames to distinguish themselves within their local communities. Their presence in Sjælland suggests they were well-integrated into the rural economy of the time, contributing to the development of the region through their daily work and community involvement.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
gravelle
Old French term for coarse sand or small stones.
This name
GravelA topographic name for someone who lived near a gravel pit or stony ground.
also spelled
Gravell
Gravele
Gravelles
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Rigsarkivet (Danish National Archives), Kirkebøger for Sjællands Stift (Parish registers for the Diocese of Zealand)
Rigsarkivet (Danish National Archives), Folketællinger og skifteprotokoller (Census records and probate records)
Kousgård Sørensen, John, Danske Surnavne (Danish Surnames), 1990
Steensgaard, Peter, Slægtsforskning i Danmark (Genealogical Research in Denmark), 2005
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
