Map of Portugal showing where the Tovar arms are recorded
The Tovar arms were recorded in Asturies, c. 1706.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Lisboa.
Lisbon was the seat of the Portuguese crown and the port its wealth came through. Families made rich by trade and by service to the king took arms, and the crown's heralds recorded them there.
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 Portugal in this period.
Peter II of Portugal
Sovereign of the period
Peter II of Portugal
1683–1706
Reigning in Portugal when the Tovar arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Portugal
In Portugal, a coat of arms was a family possession that passed from a father to his children. Every legitimate descendant had the right to use the family shield without needing to change it. Younger branches of the family kept the original design, though they sometimes added small symbols to distinguish their specific line from the main branch.
Granting authority
The Cartório da Nobreza acted as the official body that managed and regulated noble titles and coats of arms in Portugal.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms through bloodline, though they could also receive new grants from the crown for distinguished service.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the books of the Cartório da Nobreza starting in the year 1512.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Portugal.
Origin & History of the Tovar Family in Portugal
The surname Tovar is deeply rooted in the Iberian Peninsula, with its origins tied to the geography of the region. The name is topographic, meaning it was originally given to families who lived near a specific place called Tovar, which often refers to a field or a piece of land. By the early 18th century, the family had established a notable presence in Lisboa. Historical records confirm that members of the Tovar family were living in the city by 1706, where they participated in the social and professional life of the Portuguese capital. During this era, the family name was associated with individuals who navigated the complex urban landscape of Lisboa, contributing to the city's growth during a time of significant cultural change. The movement of the family into major centers like Lisboa helped cement the name as a recognized part of the local history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Toba
A place name derived from the Latin word for a tuff rock.
This name
TovarRefers to a person who lived near a site characterized by volcanic rock.
also spelled
Tova
Tover
Related arms
Azcuesimilar arms
Santo-Domingosimilar arms
Zurcosimilar arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo, Registos Paroquiais de Lisboa
Sanches de Baena, Visconde de, Archivo Heráldico-Genealogico contendo noticias historico-genealogicas de nobres famílias de Portugal, 1872
Felgueiras Gayo, Manuel José da Costa, Nobiliário de Famílias de Portugal, 1938
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
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
