A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Leyva family of Spain.
Reg. 9389 · Spanish, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 sin. à une tour sommée de trois tourelles d'or, ouv. et aj. de gu.; à la bord. de gu., ch. de treize étoiles (8) d'or, 3 en chef, 4 en p. et 3 à chaque flanc, l'une sur l'autre.”
CastileCastile, c. 1722
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Map of Spain showing where the Leyva arms are recorded
The Leyva arms were recorded in Castile, c. 1722.
Castile was the heart of Spain and the source of most of its noble families. Land won in the long wars against the Moors was granted out to fighting men, and a man granted land was granted arms along with it.
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 Leyva 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 Castile.
Origin & History of the Leyva Family in Spain
The surname Leyva is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of northern Spain, specifically within the region of Castile. The name is locative in origin, meaning it was originally taken from the town of Leyva located in the province of La Rioja. During the Middle Ages, families often adopted the names of the lands they held or the villages where they resided to distinguish themselves from others. By the early 18th century, records confirm that members of the Leyva family were well-established figures within the administrative and social structures of Castile. These early ancestors were part of a society that placed great importance on land ownership and local governance. Over time, the family spread from their ancestral home in La Rioja to various parts of the Spanish kingdom, carrying their name across the Iberian Peninsula and eventually to the Americas.
Leyva Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
La Haya
A place name referring to a hedge or an enclosed area.
This name
LeyvaA topographic surname denoting someone who lived near a hedge or fenced enclosure.
also spelled
Leyva
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Mogrobejo, Endika de. Diccionario hispano de apellidos y blasones. 1995
Archivo General de Simancas. Registro del Sello de Corte. 1722
Archivo Histórico Nacional. Sección Nobleza, Familia Leyva. 1722
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
