A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Lezama family of Spain.
Reg. 5057 · Spanish, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
saltire coupedResolution, and the cross of St Andrew
wolfReward from long service and hard work
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Coupé: au 1 d'arg. à deux loups pass. de gu., l'un sur l'autre; au 2 d'arg. à deux chaudières de sa., l'une sur l'autre, chacune chaudière ch. d'une fasce d'or. L'écu entouré d'une bord. de gu., ch. de huit flanchis d'or.”
NavarreBiscaye · Navarre, c. 1722
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Map of Spain showing where the Lezama arms are recorded
The Lezama arms were recorded in Navarre, c. 1722.
Navarre was mountain country straddling the Pyrenees, with a strong class of small independent landholders. A great many households counted as gentry there, and each needed a shield to be told apart.
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 Lezama 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 Navarre.
Origin & History of the Lezama Family in Spain
The surname Lezama originates from the Basque region of northern Spain, specifically taking its name from the town of Lezama in the province of Biscay. The name itself is derived from the Basque words "leze," meaning a gorge or abyss, and "ama," which often denotes a place or an end, suggesting that the family’s earliest ancestors lived near a prominent natural ravine. By the early 18th century, members of the Lezama family had established a documented presence in the Kingdom of Navarre. During this period, families in the region were often deeply integrated into the local agricultural and administrative life of their villages. As the family grew, they moved across the northern provinces, maintaining their connection to the rugged landscape of the Basque Country while participating in the social and economic shifts of 18th-century Spanish society.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Leza
Basque term referring to a ravine, gorge, or limestone cave.
This name
LezamaDerived from a place name meaning place of the ravine or gorge.
also spelled
Lesama
Lezamma
Lesamma
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Mikeldi, Paul. Diccionario onomástico y heráldico vasco. 1953
Archivo General de Navarra. Sección de Procesos Judiciales. 1722
Gorrotxategi, Mikel. Euskal deituren izendegia. 1998
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
saltire coupedResolution, and the cross of St Andrew
wolfReward from long service and hard work
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
saltire coupedResolution, and the cross of St Andrew
wolfReward from long service and hard work
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
