A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Vela family of Spain.
Reg. 9853 · Spanish, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fireZeal and purification
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 l'aigle de sa.; le champ vêtu d'azur; à quatre flambeaux d'arg., allumés d'or, posés dans le sens des quatre traits du vêtu, dont les quatre côtés sont accostés de ces flambeaux.”
Spainc. 1722
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Map of Spain showing where the Vela arms are recorded
The Vela arms were recorded in Spain, c. 1722.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Castile.
Castile was the heart of Spain and the source of most of its noble families. Land won in the long wars against the Moors was granted out to fighting men, and a man granted land was granted arms along with it.
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 Spain in this period.
Philip V of Spain
Sovereign of the period
Philip V of Spain
1714–1724
Reigning in Spain when the Vela arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Spain
In Spain, a coat of arms was considered a form of property that belonged to the entire family line. These arms were passed down from a father to all his children equally. Younger branches of the family usually kept the original design without needing to add any special marks to distinguish their specific line.
Granting authority
The Cronista Rey de Armas was the official body that regulated and granted coats of arms throughout Spain.
How they got arms
Families often obtained their arms through royal grants or by proving their noble status to the official heraldic authority.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the registers of the Cronista Rey de Armas starting in 1496.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Spain.
Origin & History of the Vela Family in Spain
The surname Vela has deep roots in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly within the historic region of Castile. The name is believed to have originated as a personal name during the Middle Ages, eventually evolving into a hereditary family name as populations grew and record-keeping became more formal. By the early 18th century, families bearing the name Vela were well-established members of the Castilian community, participating in the social and economic life of the region. These early ancestors likely lived as farmers, artisans, or local officials who helped shape the development of their towns. Their presence in 1722 reflects a time when families were increasingly documented in parish registers and local government archives, marking a period of stability and growth for the name across the Spanish landscape.
Vela Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Vigila
Derived from the Latin word for watchful or vigilant.
This name
VelaA habitational or descriptive surname referring to a person who is alert or keeps watch.
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Moll, Francesc de Borja, Els llinatges catalans, 1959
Pescador del Hoyo, María del Carmen, Apellidos en España, 1996
Archivo General de Simancas, Registro del Sello de Corte
Archivo Histórico Nacional, Sección Nobleza
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fireZeal and purification
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fireZeal and purification
