A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Spann family of Denmark.
Reg. 5034 · Danish, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
horseReadiness to serve king and country
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 de sin. à une ancre d'or, posée en barre; aux 2 et 3 d'azur à un cheval cont. d'arg., la tête retournée vers dextre, pass. dans une mer d'arg. Sur le tout d'or à un arc bandé de sa., posé en barre, encoché d'une flèche du même, posée en bande. Cq. cour. C.: un bras, arm. au nat., la main de carn. tenant en guidon de gu. à la croix d'arg., la hampe du guidon posée en barre.”
Denmarkc. 1683
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Map of Denmark showing where the Spann arms are recorded
The Spann arms were recorded in Denmark, c. 1683.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Sjaælland.
Zealand held the Danish court, the crown's offices and Copenhagen itself. Families who served the king kept estates within reach of it, and royal service was the ordinary route to a coat of 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.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Denmark in this period.
Christian V of Denmark
Sovereign of the period
Christian V of Denmark
1670–1699
Reigning in Denmark when the Spann arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Denmark
Danish heraldry during this period was closely tied to noble status and royal favor rather than being open to all citizens. Arms were typically granted by the monarch to individuals, and these symbols were then shared by all members of the noble house. If a family line died out, the right to use those specific arms ended with them.
Granting authority
The Danish royal chancery held the power to issue and regulate official coats of arms for the kingdom.
How they got arms
Families usually received their arms through a formal royal grant that confirmed their noble status and rights.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Danish Royal Chancery records starting in the sixteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Denmark.
Origin & History of the Spann Family in Denmark
The family name Spann has deep roots in the region of Sjælland, Denmark, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1683. During this period, the name was closely tied to the agricultural and social structures of the Danish countryside. Families like the Spanns often lived in small rural communities where they worked the land or served in local administrative roles. Because surnames were still evolving in many parts of Scandinavia during the late 17th century, the name likely originated from a specific geographic location or a descriptive term related to the family's trade. By the time they appear in the official census records of the late 1600s, the Spann family was already integrated into the local parish life, which served as the primary way for the government to track citizens and their property holdings.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Span
A measure of length based on the span of a hand.
This name
SpannAn occupational name for a person who measured land or worked with spans.
also spelled
Spann
Spane
Spayne
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Rigsarkivet (Danish National Archives), Danske Kancellis skuffearkiver, Sjællandske Tegnelser
Statens Arkiver, Københavnske politiprotokoller og folketællinger
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
horseReadiness to serve king and country
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
horseReadiness to serve king and country
