Map of Spain showing where the Ralat arms are recorded
The Ralat arms were recorded in Catalonia, c. 1722.
Catalonia lived by sea trade, and its merchant houses were as powerful as its landowners. Both sorts of family took arms, and Barcelona kept records of the houses entitled to bear them.
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 Ralat 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 Catalonia.
Origin & History of the Ralat Family in Spain
The family name Ralat has deep roots in the northeastern region of Spain known as Catalonia. Historical records confirm that members of the family were established in this area by at least 1722. During the eighteenth century, Catalonia was a center of agricultural growth and trade, and families like the Ralats were often tied to the land or local commerce in small rural towns. The name itself is likely of Catalan origin, reflecting the unique linguistic and cultural heritage of the Pyrenees mountain region. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the development of their communities through farming and craftsmanship. By studying these early records, we see a family that was well-integrated into the daily life and traditions of the Catalan people during a time of significant change in Spain.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Rala
Derived from the Latin word rala meaning thin or sparse.
This name
RalatA topographic or descriptive surname likely referring to a person living on thin or sparse land.
also spelled
Rellat
Relatt
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Arxiu de la Corona d’Aragó, Cadastre de Catalunya, 1722
Arxiu Diocesà de Girona, Llibres de Baptismes i Matrimonis, 1722
Bofarull i Terrades, Manuel, Origen dels noms de lloc i de persona a Catalunya, 2002
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cometA great event foretold, and swift renown
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cometA great event foretold, and swift renown
