Map of Wales showing where the Van arms are recorded
The Van arms were recorded in Wales, c. 1647.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Denbigh.
Denbighshire was north Welsh country of hills and small estates. Land was held by a great many families rather than a few, and each holding brought its own claim 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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Wales when the Van arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Wales.
Origin & History of the Van Family in Wales
The history of the Van family in Wales is deeply rooted in the social landscape of Denbighshire during the mid-seventeenth century. By 1647, records confirm that members of the family were established residents in the town of Denbigh, a location that served as a vital administrative and market hub for the region. During this period, Wales was experiencing significant political upheaval due to the English Civil War, which likely influenced the family’s daily life and their interactions with local authorities. The name itself reflects a pattern of migration and integration often seen in Welsh border towns, where families moved between local parishes to manage land or pursue trade. These early ancestors were part of a community that relied on dense networks of kinship and local loyalty to navigate the economic challenges of the era. Their presence in the historical record of Denbigh provides a clear snapshot of a family working to secure their place within the shifting social structure of North Wales during a time of national transition.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. three roses gu”
ScotlandSteinston, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Van arms are recorded
The Van arms were recorded in Steinston, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Wales when the Van arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Van Family in Scotland
The surname Van carries a distinct history that reflects the movement of people across Northern Europe and into the British Isles. While the name is often associated with Dutch or Flemish origins, its presence in Scotland by the mid-eighteenth century suggests a story of migration and integration. By 1748, records confirm that members of the Van family were established residents of Edinburgh. During this era, Edinburgh was a bustling center of the Scottish Enlightenment, attracting skilled tradespeople and merchants from across the North Sea. These early family members likely arrived as part of the established trade networks that linked Scottish ports with the Low Countries. As they settled into the capital, they adapted to the local culture while maintaining the unique identity of their name. Their presence in the city archives indicates that they were active participants in the urban life of Scotland during a period of significant social and economic change.
Van Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
fann
A marshy lowland or a fen.
This name
VanA topographic surname denoting someone who lived near a marsh or fen.
also spelled
Vanne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
National Library of Wales, Records of the Court of Great Sessions for Wales, Denbighshire
Williams, W. R., The Parliamentary History of the Principality of Wales, 1895
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
beeIndustry, order and tireless work
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
beeIndustry, order and tireless work
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
