Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'azur à la croix ancrée d'arg.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Philippou family of Netherlands.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'azur à la croix ancrée d'arg.”

The Philippou arms were recorded in Leyde, 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.
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.
The family name Philippou carries a rich history that is deeply rooted in the cultural crossroads of the Mediterranean and Western Europe. While the name is derived from the Greek name Philippos, meaning lover of horses, it evolved over centuries as families migrated across borders. By the year 1815, records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of Leyde, which is known today as Leiden in the Netherlands. During this period, the city was a significant center for trade and academic life following the end of the Napoleonic Wars. The presence of the Philippou family in this Dutch city suggests they were part of a mobile class of individuals who moved between regions for professional or commercial opportunities. This early migration highlights the family's ability to adapt to new environments while maintaining their distinct ancestral identity.
Derived from Greek words meaning friend or lover of horses.
