It is a nearly unanimous opinion among genealogists that all these surnames are modalities of the same lineage, which has its origin in France, from where it reached the Iberian Peninsula in very ancient times and mainly through Aragon, Castile, Catalonia, Navarre, the Basque Country, Valencia, Andalusia, and Murcia, building new solar houses.
The Bernals and Bernales with roots in Asturias, Seville, Limpias (Cantabria), and Portugal represent a new family of Asturian origin, where the surnames Bernal and Bernales are patronymics derived from the given name Bernardo or Bernaldo. Some authors claim. The fact is that these Bernal and Bernales bear the same arms, completely different from those of other houses with the same surnames.
Another Bernal house flourished in the late 15th century in the town of Cantalapiedra (Salamanca). Lorenzo Bernal del Mercado belonged to this house, was baptized in Cantalapiedra in 1530. He participated in the civil wars in Peru and went to Chile in 1551 with Francisco de Villagra. He was the founder and resident of the cities Valdivia and Villarrica, Mayor Constable of Angol in 1562, Master of the Field, General of the Kingdom, and Corregidor of Cañete in 1566. He served 54 years in the Arauco War and was called the Cid of Chile for his bravery. He married twice: the first time with María Montí and the second time with María Rojas. He died in Angol in 1595, leaving descendants. The brother of the aforementioned Lorenzo, known as the Cid of Chile, was Alonso Bernal del Mercado, baptized in Cantalapiedra in 1517. He also went to Chile on his second trip in 1549 with Pedro de Valdivia and was an ordinary mayor of the city of Valdivia. Alonso Bernal, a resident of Cantalapiedra, received the knight's privilege in 1505 for his merits in the wars of Granada and France.
In Aragon, it had solar houses in various towns, each with its own owners, demonstrating a widespread presence of the surname and lineage in different regions.
In Catalonia, the surname Bernat was also present in various towns, indicating its spread and influence in that region as well.
Various historical records mention individuals with the surname Bernat in different towns and cities across Spain, highlighting the widespread presence and historical significance of the Bernad lineage.
Mosén Jaime Febrer and Martín de Viciana provide insights into the French origin of the Bernad lineage, tracing it back to individuals who served with valor in various military campaigns and earned a reputation for their courage and diligence.
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Not all lineages have heraldic emblems, banners, or flags, however, it is always interesting to explore the emblem of the surname Bernad. It is essential to understand that the link between an emblem and the surname Bernad usually has its foundations in the history and tradition of nobility, chivalry, or prominent families in a society. The custom of granting and using emblems began in Europe during medieval times, mainly as a means of identification on the battlefield, but also as a symbol of prestige, authority, and family legacy.
The history of heraldic symbols associated with the Bernad lineage has been transmitted generationally over the centuries. These family emblems, which represent the identity and legacy of the Bernad, have been subject to regulations by different authorities throughout history. Knowing the origin of the surname Bernad is essential to understand the rich heraldic tradition that accompanies it.
Since ancient times, the coat of arms has been granted to a specific individual who bears the surname Bernad, without extending it to all those who share that surname. The right to use a particular coat of arms is transmitted according to the rules and customs of heraldry, which means that not everyone who bears the surname Bernad has the heraldic legitimacy to bear the coat of arms linked to their ancestors.
Only lineages whose genealogy has been meticulously researched and certified by a heraldic entity, and whose coats of arms have been duly registered, have legally recognized heraldry. It is essential to verify if the surname Bernad has a valid coat of arms, as not all surnames have the right to bear one. However, nowadays, more and more surnames are creating their own coat of arms, so it is not ruled out that the Bernad family has designed its own coat of arms, either in a traditional or modern way, with the intention of obtaining its subsequent official recognition.
Although heraldry has been studied mainly in Europe, it is important to highlight that other cultures also have forms of family or personal symbolism that can be comparable to coats of arms. For this reason, exploring the heraldry of Bernad not only connects us with its roots, but also leads us to discover new cultural horizons. Even so, it is necessary to keep in mind that the direct relationship between these symbols and the surname Bernad is not uniform everywhere.
In the current era, the growing interest in heraldry is evident, with a special focus on the research of coats of arms linked to the Bernad lineage, whether for cultural, historical or genealogical reasons. However, it is essential to differentiate between authentic coats of arms, validated by a recognized heraldic authority, and those that are mere commercial creations lacking historical foundation or inherent legitimacy. This discernment is key when exploring and authenticating the Bernad family blazon and coat of arms.
Whether we talk about the ancient coat of arms of Bernad with centuries of history, or a more contemporary blazon, the heraldry of Bernad always keeps a mystery and a unique narrative. The symbols that represent Bernad tell us about his ancestors and his legacy, offering clues about his origin and history. It is fascinating to think that at some point someone decided to create all this iconography around the surname Bernad, and that over time, it could become recognized and valued even more in the future.
The symbolic emblem, or coat of arms of Bernad, represents a distinctive design that includes different elements such as figures, colors and ornaments that indicate the position or title of the wearer. The different components are arranged following the rules of heraldry, where each part has a specific meaning. Colors, shapes and patterns are precisely combined to create a symbol that is not only a work of art, but also a unique means of identification.
The link between the blazoning and Bernad is deep and enigmatic. Initially, coats of arms were awarded to individual people, not to an entire lineage, and were related to the individual who had acquired them for their exploits, battles or social status. As time passed, the Bernad crest became hereditary, becoming a recognizable emblem of the family, thus establishing an enduring connection with the surname Bernad.
Legacy: Although the coat of arms could be associated with Bernad, it is relevant to keep in mind that historically they were conferred individually. Therefore, not all individuals with the surname Bernad have a legitimate claim to the coat of arms linked to it, especially if they cannot prove direct ancestry with the original bearer of the coat of arms. Likewise, it is possible to find different shields related to the surname Bernad, since they could have been granted to people of different lineages but with the same surname Bernad.
Derivations: Within a family unit that bears the surname Bernad, it is common to find derivations of the coat of arms that serve to distinguish between the different branches of the family, the different generations or individual titles .
Tradition and control: In various territories, specific commissions are appointed to ensure the authenticity, conservation and control of family coats of arms to guarantee their proper use and legacy for the Bernad family. These commissions provide advice and assistance in research and registration to those who wish to make the coat of arms linked to Bernad official.
Origin and legacy: The cultural heritage of Bernad is reflected in its heraldic shield, a symbolic representation of its history and roots. This emblem not only serves as identification in important events such as battles and tournaments, but also tells the story of the alliances and achievements of their ancestors. Thus, the Bernad shield becomes a symbol of tradition and family legacy, transmitting values and pride from generation to generation.
Coat of arms of Bernad
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