A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Houck family of Netherlands.
Reg. 8509 · Dutch, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
lionCourage, strength and royalty
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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'azur à trois harengs nageants d'arg., l'un sur l'autre, la tête de chaque hareng surm. d'une couronne d'or; au 2 d'arg. au lion de sa., ramp. contre un arbre au nat., mouv. du parti, le tout soutenu d'une terrasse d'or”
NetherlandsSchiedam, c. 1815
Where the Houck Arms Were Recorded
Schiedam
Map of Netherlands showing where the Houck arms are recorded
The Houck arms were recorded in Schiedam, c. 1815.
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
Schiedam
Town
Schiedam
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Houck 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 Houck 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 Houck Family in Netherlands
The family name Houck has deep roots in the Netherlands, particularly within the historic city of Schiedam. By the year 1815, records confirm that members of the family were well-established residents of this bustling industrial town. During this period, Schiedam was famous for its gin distilleries and maritime trade, which likely shaped the daily lives and occupations of early family members. The name itself is thought to be a variation of older Dutch or Germanic terms related to a specific location or a person’s physical surroundings. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the development of the region during a time of significant political change in Europe. These early ancestors helped build the foundation for the family legacy that persists to this day.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Huk
A hook, bend, or a curved piece of land.
This name
HouckRefers to someone who lived near a bend in a river or a hooked piece of land.
also spelled
Houcke
Houk
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Gemeentearchief Schiedam, Bevolkingsregister van Schiedam, 1815
Roelofs, G.J., Geschiedenis van Schiedam, 1980
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
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
lionCourage, strength and royalty
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
lionCourage, strength and royalty
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
