A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Simmons family of Netherlands.
Reg. 7622 · Dutch, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Parti: au 1 d'or à la demi-aigle de sa., mouv. du parti; au 2 d'arg. à trois trèfles de sin., rangés en pal [Armes du docteur G. Simons, ministre de l'intérieur aux Pays-Bas, 1856-57.]”
Netherlandsc. 1815
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Map of Netherlands showing where the Simmons arms are recorded
The Simmons arms were recorded in Netherlands, c. 1815.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Friesland.
Friesland was low, wet country on the northern coast of the Netherlands, farmed by families who had held the same land for centuries. Free landholders were unusually common there, and a free landholder could carry arms.
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
Friesland
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Simmons 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 Simmons 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 Simmons Family in Netherlands
The surname Simmons is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of Simon. The name Simon itself comes from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning he has heard. By the early 19th century, families carrying this name were well-established in the northern Dutch province of Friesland. In 1815, the Netherlands introduced a formal civil registry system that required all citizens to adopt permanent family surnames. During this period, many families in the region officially recorded the name Simmons to distinguish their households within the local community. These early ancestors were likely farmers or tradespeople who lived in the rural landscapes of the Frisian countryside. Their presence in the 1815 records marks a pivotal moment when the family name became a permanent part of their legal identity and heritage.
Simmons Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Simon
Derived from the Hebrew name Shimon meaning he has heard.
This name
SimmonsA patronymic surname meaning son of Simon.
also spelled
Symons
Simmons
Simuns
Symuns
Symon
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Tresoar (Frisian Historical and Literary Center), Burgerlijke Stand (Civil Registry) Friesland, 1811-1950
Huizinga, Frans, Stamboomonderzoek in Friesland, 2005
Meertens Instituut, Nederlandse Familienamenbank, 2010
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
