A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Kanis family of Netherlands.
Reg. 1265 · Dutch, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
vairProtection, and the winter fur
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“De gu. à trois pals de vair; au chef d'or, ch. d'un lévrier courant de sa., coll. d'or, surm. d'un lambel de gu. C.: une tête et col de lévrier de sa., coll. de vair. L. d'or et de sa.”
NetherlandsNimègue, c. 1815
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Map of Netherlands showing where the Kanis arms are recorded
The Kanis arms were recorded in Nimègue, 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
Nimègue
Town
Nimègue
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Kanis 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 Kanis 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 Kanis Family in Netherlands
The family name Kanis has deep roots in the city of Nijmegen, which is known as Nimègue in French. By 1815, members of the Kanis family were well-established residents of this historic Dutch city. Nijmegen is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and its location near the Waal River made it a vital center for trade and movement during the early nineteenth century. During this period, the region underwent significant political changes as it transitioned from the Napoleonic era into the newly formed United Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kanis family likely lived through these shifts while contributing to the local economy and community life. Because the name appears in official civil records from this time, we know that the family was part of the transition to modern record-keeping practices that required citizens to register births, marriages, and deaths with the local government.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Johannes
Hebrew origin meaning God is gracious
This name
KanisA patronymic or shortened form derived from the name John
also spelled
Kaniz
Canis
Related arms
van den Andelsimilar arms
van Gemertsimilar arms
Canisvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Regionaal Archief Nijmegen, Burgerlijke Stand Nijmegen (Civil Registry of Nijmegen)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
