A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Paulsen family of Netherlands.
Reg. 7446 · Dutch, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
feathersWilling obedience and serenity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Coupé: au 1 d'arg. à trois plumes de paon au nat., en pals, accostées, le pied en bas; au 2 d'azur à une étoile d'or. C.: une tête et col de paon au nat., entre un vol d'or. L. d'or et de sin.”
NetherlandsMiddelbourg, c. 1815
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Map of Netherlands showing where the Paulsen arms are recorded
The Paulsen arms were recorded in Middelbourg, c. 1815.
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.
Region
Middelbourg
Town
Middelbourg
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Paulsen Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Paulsen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Netherlands.
Origin & History of the Paulsen Family in Netherlands
The surname Paulsen is a patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of Paul. This naming tradition was very common across Northern Europe, particularly in Denmark, Norway, and Germany. By the early 19th century, the family had established a notable presence in the Dutch city of Middelburg. Records from 1815 confirm that members of the Paulsen family were living and working in this historic trade hub during a time of significant political change in the Netherlands. As the family settled in Middelburg, they became part of the local urban fabric, contributing to the city’s long history as a center for commerce and maritime activity. Over time, the name evolved from a simple description of parentage into a permanent family identity that was passed down through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Paulus
Latin for small or humble.
This name
PaulsenPatronymic surname meaning son of Paul.
also spelled
Paulson
Paulszen
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Zeeuws Archief, Burgerlijke Stand Zeeland (1815)
Meertens Instituut, Nederlandse Familienamenbank (2023)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
feathersWilling obedience and serenity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
feathersWilling obedience and serenity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
