A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Macias family of Spain.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“De gu. à six dés d'arg., 2, 2 et 2, chaque dé marqué de six points.”
The Macias arms were recorded in Léon, c. 1722.
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.
Reigning in Spain when the Macias arms are first recorded.
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.
The surname Macias has deep roots in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly within the regions of Spain that were shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. The name is generally considered a patronymic, which means it was originally derived from the given name of a father or ancestor. In this case, Macias stems from the name Matthias, which translates to "gift of God." Over time, as families grew and moved across different provinces, this name became a fixed surname passed down through generations.
By the early 18th century, the Macias family had established a clear presence in the city of León. Records from 1722 confirm that members of the family were active participants in the local community during this period. At that time, León was a significant center for trade and administration in northern Spain. Families like the Macias often played roles in the local economy or served in municipal functions, helping to build the social fabric of the city. Their presence in these official records suggests they were settled, contributing members of society who helped define the history of the region.
Derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu meaning gift of God.
