A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Olalde family of Spain.
Reg. 1052 · Spanish, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à un vaisseau de haut bord, hab. et équipé au nat., voguant sur une mer d'azur.”
SpainBiscaye, c. 1722
Where the Olalde Arms Were Recorded
Biscaye
Map of Spain showing where the Olalde arms are recorded
The Olalde arms were recorded in Biscaye, 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.
Philip V of Spain
Sovereign of the period
Philip V of Spain
1714–1724
Reigning in Spain when the Olalde 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 Spain.
Origin & History of the Olalde Family in Spain
The surname Olalde is deeply rooted in the Basque Country, a region known for its unique language and ancient traditions. The name is derived from the Basque words "ola," meaning a forge or iron mill, and "alde," which refers to the side or vicinity of a place. This suggests that the earliest members of the family likely lived near or worked at an iron smelting site, which was a vital industry in the province of Biscay during the eighteenth century. By 1722, records confirm that the family was well-established in this mountainous region, where they were likely involved in the local agricultural or industrial life of their community. As the family grew, they remained closely tied to the rugged landscape of northern Spain, maintaining their heritage through the preservation of their distinct Basque identity.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
ola + alde
Basque words for a forge or factory and a side or edge.
This name
OlaldeRefers to someone who lived near a forge, ironworks, or a factory.
also spelled
Olaldie
Olald
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Gorrotxategi, Mikel. Nombres de familia en el País Vasco. 2008
Mendizábal, Juan. Historia de la industria del hierro en Vizcaya. 1985
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
