A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ovando family of Spain.
Reg. 4484 · Spanish, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
saltire coupedResolution, and the cross of St Andrew
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“D'arg. à la croix florencée de gu., vidée du champ, acc. de quatre coquilles de gu. dans les cantons de l'écu; à la bord. aussi de gu., ch. de huit flanchis d'or.”
AndalusiaAndalusia, c. 1722
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Spain showing where the Ovando arms are recorded
The Ovando arms were recorded in Andalusia, c. 1722.
Andalusia was the last part of Spain taken back from the Moors, and the land was shared out among the men who took it. A grant of land came with a grant of arms, so the region produced a great many.
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 Ovando 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 Andalusia.
Origin & History of the Ovando Family in Spain
The surname Ovando traces its roots to the rugged landscapes of western Spain, specifically within the province of Cáceres in Extremadura. Historical records indicate that the family established a strong presence in this region during the Middle Ages, often associated with the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. By the early 18th century, members of the family had migrated south into the sun-drenched region of Andalusia. By 1722, they were well-integrated into the social and economic fabric of Andalusian towns, where they participated in local governance and agricultural management. This migration reflected a broader trend of families moving toward the southern ports to seek new opportunities in trade and administration. The name itself is thought to be topographic, likely referring to a specific place or a settlement near a valley or a riverbank where the early family members first resided.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ovando
Derived from the Latin word ovum meaning egg or sheep.
This name
OvandoA topographic name referring to a place where sheep were raised or kept.
also spelled
Obando
Ovanda
Ovandou
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
García Carraffa, Alberto y Arturo. Enciclopedia heráldica y genealógica hispano-americana. 1920
Archivo General de Simancas, Registro General del Sello
Archivo Histórico Nacional, Sección Nobleza
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
saltire coupedResolution, and the cross of St Andrew
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
saltire coupedResolution, and the cross of St Andrew
