A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Royce family of Netherlands.
Reg. 4134 · Dutch, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé de gu. sur un fascé-ondé d'azur et d'arg.; à un poisson d'arg., nageant sur le coupé; le gu. ch. d'une fleur-de-lis d'arg., acc. de trois étoiles mal-ordonnées du même. C.: la fleur-de-lis.”
NetherlandsHarlem, c. 1815
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Map of Netherlands showing where the Royce arms are recorded
The Royce arms were recorded in Harlem, 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
Harlem
Town
Harlem
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Royce 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 Royce 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 Royce Family in Netherlands
The surname Royce is an English locational name that originally described someone who lived near a specific landmark or within a particular district. It is derived from the Old French word "rois," which means king, and it was often used as a nickname for someone who acted in a regal manner or held a position of authority in their community. By the early 19th century, members of the Royce family had established a presence in the growing landscape of Harlem. Records from 1815 show that these early settlers were active participants in the development of the area during a time when Harlem was transitioning from a collection of rural farms into a more structured residential community. This period marked a significant chapter for the family as they integrated into the social and economic fabric of New York City during its early expansion.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Roelof
Derived from Germanic elements meaning famous wolf.
This name
RoyceA patronymic surname indicating son of the famous wolf.
also spelled
Ryck
Ryckee
Ryka
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
New York City Municipal Archives, Manhattan Land Conveyances, 1815
Riker, James, Revised History of Harlem (City of New York): Its Origin and Early Annals, 1904
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
