A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Jerke family of Spain.
Reg. 8621 · Spanish, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à une tour d'or, sommée de trois tourelles du même, celle du milieu plus élevée, la tour accostée de deux arbres du même, sommés chacun d'un oiseau de sa., celui à dextre cont.; à la bord. d'arg., ch. de huit écussons d'or, surch. chacun d'une bande de sin.”
AndalusiaAndalusia, c. 1722
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Map of Spain showing where the Jerke arms are recorded
The Jerke arms were recorded in Andalusia, c. 1722.
Andalusia was the last part of Spain taken back from the Moors, and the land was shared out among the men who took it. A grant of land came with a grant of arms, so the region produced a great many.
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 Spain in this period.
Philip V of Spain
Sovereign of the period
Philip V of Spain
1714–1724
Reigning in Spain when the Jerke arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Spain
In Spain, a coat of arms was considered a form of property that belonged to the entire family line. These arms were passed down from a father to all his children equally. Younger branches of the family usually kept the original design without needing to add any special marks to distinguish their specific line.
Granting authority
The Cronista Rey de Armas was the official body that regulated and granted coats of arms throughout Spain.
How they got arms
Families often obtained their arms through royal grants or by proving their noble status to the official heraldic authority.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the registers of the Cronista Rey de Armas starting in 1496.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Andalusia.
Origin & History of the Jerke Family in Spain
The family name Jerke has roots that trace back to the complex cultural landscape of eighteenth-century Europe. Historical records confirm that members of the family were established in Andalusia by 1722, a region known at the time for its vibrant trade and diverse population. During this period, families often moved across borders to pursue new opportunities in agriculture or commerce within the Spanish territories. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots found in Germanic or Central European regions before the family migrated south. By settling in Andalusia, these early ancestors became part of a unique historical transition where northern traditions met the Mediterranean lifestyle. This migration pattern suggests that the family was mobile and adaptable, characteristics that helped them integrate into the local society of southern Spain during the early 1700s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gerard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning spear and brave or strong.
This name
JerkeA diminutive form originating from the Germanic name Gerard, signifying a brave spearman.
also spelled
Jeres
Herez
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivo General de Simancas, Registro del Sello de Corte, 1722
Archivo de la Real Chancillería de Granada, Pleitos de Hidalguía, 1722
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
