A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Van Der Werff family of Netherlands.
Reg. 1460 · Dutch, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 échiq. d'arg. et de gu., aux 2 et 3 d'or à la croix de sa.: le 1er quartier ch. d'un canton d'or, surch. de trois lions de sa., 2 et 1 (Armes du peintre renommé, Adrien van der Werff.)”
NetherlandsRotterdam, c. 1705
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Netherlands showing where the Van Der Werff arms are recorded
The Van Der Werff arms were recorded in Rotterdam, c. 1705.
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
Rotterdam
Town
Rotterdam
First recorded
1705
Granting Authority for the Van Der Werff 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.
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 Van Der Werff Family in Netherlands
The surname Van der Werff is a classic Dutch toponymic name, which means it was originally used to describe where a person lived. In the Dutch language, the word "werf" refers to a wharf, a shipyard, or a piece of enclosed land near a house or farm. Families who lived near these specific locations often adopted the name to distinguish themselves within their community. By the year 1705, records confirm that members of the Van der Werff family were well-established in the bustling port city of Rotterdam. During this era, Rotterdam was rapidly growing into a major center for trade and maritime activity. Living near the city’s active shipyards and docks likely played a significant role in the family’s daily life and professional identity as the name became permanently attached to their lineage.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
werf
A wharf, shipyard, or a raised piece of land for building.
This name
Van Der WerffRefers to someone who lived or worked at a wharf or a specific homestead.
also spelled
werf
werve
vanderwerve
werff
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Stadsarchief Rotterdam, Doop-, trouw- en begraafboeken (DTB) Rotterdam
Debrabandere, Frans, Woordenboek van de familienamen in België en Noord-Frankrijk, 2003
Van der Schaar, Jo, Woordenboek van voornamen, 1964
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
