A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ranck family of Sweden.
Reg. 7320 · Swedish, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
knightChivalry and service in arms
arrowReadiness for battle, and affliction endured
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
batonAuthority and office held under the crown
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à la bande d'azur, ch. d'une patte d'ours d'arg., posée dans le sens de la bande et surch. d'une fasce de gu.; aux 2 et 3 de gu. à deux bâtons de maréchal d'arg., emboutés d'or, passés en saut., et acc. de deux étoiles d'arg., 1 en chef et 1 en p., et de deux fleurs-de-lis du même, en flancs. Sur le tout de sa. à un homme iss., hab. au nat., au baudrier d'arg., ceint du même, coiffé d'un bonnet au nat., panaché d'une pl. d'aut. d'arg.; ledit homme iss. entre deux collines accostées d'arg. et tenant de sa main dextre une flèche d'arg. en barre, la pointe en bas. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1º un bras, paré d'arg., la main de carn. tenant une flèche d'arg. en barre, la pointe en bas; entre deux pl. d'aut., d'azur et d'arg.; 2º une colonne d'or, br. sur une couronne de laurier de sin. et sommée d'un corbeau de sa., le vol levé; entre quatre bannières, deux à dextre, d'azur ch. de trois couronnes d'or, 2 et 1, et de gu. ch. de trois léopards d'or, l'un sur l'autre, et deux à sen., d'azur ch. d'un lion d'or, et d'or ch. d'un lion de gu. S.: à dextre un lion reg. d'or, lamp. de gu.; à sen. un lion reg. d'arg., lamp. de gu., ch. de cinq fasces de gu.”
Swedenc. 1715
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Map of Sweden showing where the Ranck arms are recorded
The Ranck arms were recorded in Sweden, c. 1715.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Stockholm.
Stockholm held the Swedish court and the House of Nobility, where every noble family's arms were entered and kept. Families ennobled for service registered there, which is why so many are recorded around the city.
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 Sweden in this period.
Carl XII of Sweden
Sovereign of the period
Carl XII of Sweden
1697–1718
Reigning in Sweden when the Ranck arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Sweden
In Sweden, a coat of arms belonged to a noble family as a whole rather than just one individual. These arms were passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants. Younger branches of the family used the same shield without needing to change it. This system ensured that the entire lineage shared the same identity and status under the law.
Granting authority
The Riddarhuset, or House of Nobility, regulated all noble coats of arms in Sweden under royal authority.
How they got arms
Families received their coats of arms through royal grants of nobility which were then officially registered with the House.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Swedish House of Nobility register starting in the year 1626.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Sweden.
Origin & History of the Ranck Family in Sweden
The Ranck family name has roots that trace back to the early eighteenth century in Stockholm, Sweden. Historical records confirm that members of the family were established residents of the city by 1715. During this period, Stockholm was a growing center of trade and administration, and the name appears in local documents related to urban life and professional activities. The family likely integrated into the social fabric of the capital as it navigated the challenges and opportunities of the Swedish Empire. By studying these early mentions, we can see that the Rancks were part of the steady development of Stockholm’s population during a time of significant national change. Their presence in the city archives provides a clear starting point for understanding how the family established its legacy in the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
rank
A German or Middle Low German term meaning straight, slender, or thin.
This name
RanckA descriptive nickname for a person who was tall, slender, or physically upright in stature.
also spelled
Rank
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Stockholm City Archives (Stockholms stadsarkiv), Mantalslängder för Stockholms stad (1715)
Elgenstierna, Gustaf, Den introducerade svenska adelns ättartavlor (1925–1936)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
knightChivalry and service in arms
arrowReadiness for battle, and affliction endured
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
batonAuthority and office held under the crown
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
