Map of Netherlands showing where the van der Heyden arms are recorded
The van der Heyden 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 van der Heyden 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 van der Heyden 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 van der Heyden Family in Netherlands
The surname van der Heyden is a classic example of a topographic name, which means it was originally used to describe the landscape where a person lived. In the Dutch language, the term "heyden" refers to a heath, a type of open, uncultivated land covered in low-growing shrubs. Families who adopted this name likely lived near or on such a stretch of wild, sandy terrain. By the time the family was recorded in the province of Friesland in 1815, the name had become a permanent way to identify their lineage. During the early 19th century, the Netherlands underwent significant changes in how citizens registered their surnames due to the influence of French administration. This period forced many families to formalize names that had previously been passed down informally through generations. Because Friesland has a unique cultural and linguistic history compared to the rest of the country, the presence of the van der Heyden family there suggests a long-standing connection to the northern Dutch landscape and its rural traditions.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“D'arg. à trois merlettes de sa. C.: une merlette de sa.; entre un vol, d'arg. et de sa.”
BelgiumBruxelles, c. 1664
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Map of Belgium showing where the van der Heyden arms are recorded
The van der Heyden arms were recorded in Bruxelles, c. 1664.
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 Belgium in this period.
Philip IV of Spain
Sovereign of the period
Philip IV of Spain
1621–1665
Reigning in Netherlands when the van der Heyden arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Belgium
In Belgium, a coat of arms is considered personal property that is passed down through the male line to legitimate descendants. Families often use the same shield design across generations to show their shared heritage. If a branch of the family wants to change the design, they must apply for an official update to their specific version of the arms.
Granting authority
The Conseil héraldique is the official body that regulates and approves all coats of arms in Belgium.
How they got arms
Families obtain their coats of arms through formal royal grants or by confirming their historical right to use existing designs.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms are officially recorded in the public registers of the Conseil héraldique since 1844.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Belgium.
Origin & History of the van der Heyden Family in Belgium
The family name van der Heyden is a classic example of a topographic surname, which means it was originally used to describe the specific landscape where a person lived. In the Dutch language, the word "heide" refers to a heath or an area of open, uncultivated land covered in shrubs. By adding the prefix "van der," which translates to "from the," the name identified an individual as someone who resided near or on such a heath. By the year 1664, records confirm that members of the van der Heyden family were well-established in the city of Brussels. During this period, Brussels was a bustling center of trade and administration within the Spanish Netherlands. Families with this name were often integrated into the local urban economy, contributing to the growth of the city through various crafts and civic roles. As the family settled into the capital, they became part of the complex social fabric of the region, moving from their rural naming origins into the heart of one of Europe’s most important historical cities.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De sin. au chev. d'arg., acc. de trois trèfles d'or.”
FlandreFlandre, c. 1663
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 France showing where the van der Heyden arms are recorded
The van der Heyden arms were recorded in Flandre, c. 1663.
Flandre grew rich on cloth, and its towns were among the busiest in Europe. Merchant families bought land with their profits and took arms to go with it, so trade put as many names in the registers here as land did.
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 France in this period.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in Netherlands when the van der Heyden arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Flandre.
Origin & History of the van der Heyden Family in France
The family name van der Heyden originates from the Low Countries, specifically the region of Flanders, where the name translates to someone who lived near a heath or uncultivated land. By 1663, records confirm that members of this family were well-established in the territories of Flanders. During this period, the shifting political borders between the Spanish Netherlands and the Kingdom of France meant that families in this area often moved between different cultural spheres. As the French monarchy expanded its influence northward under King Louis XIV, individuals with this surname became part of the complex social fabric of the borderlands. These early family members were likely involved in the agricultural or merchant life of the region, navigating the transition as their local towns were increasingly integrated into the French administrative system. Their history reflects the broader movement of people across the changing frontier, where local Flemish roots met the growing reach of the French state.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Heide
An uncultivated area of land covered with wild shrubs or heather.
This name
van der HeydenRefers to a person who lived near or on a heath or moorland.
also spelled
Vanderheyde
Vanderheiden
vander hiden
Vanderhey
Related arms
Oudartsimilar arms
Wal (de) - Flandresimilar arms
Heyden (van der) - Brabvariant spelling
Heyden (van der) de Baakvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Meertens, P.J., De betekenis van de Nederlandse familienamen, 1959
Tresoar (Fries Historisch en Letterkundig Centrum), Burgerlijke Stand Friesland: Geboorte-, huwelijks- en overlijdensakten, 1811–1950
Van der Schaar, J., 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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
