Heraldiek is ontstaan toen de meeste mensen analfabeet waren, maar gemakkelijk een krachtig, opvallend en eenvoudig ontwerp konden herkennen. Het gebruik van de heraldiek in middeleeuwse oorlogsvoering stelde strijders in staat om de ene ridder van de andere te onderscheiden en zo onderscheid te maken tussen vriend en vijand. Eenvoud was het belangrijkste kenmerk van middeleeuwse heraldiek. In het toernooi was er een meer uitgebreide vorm van heraldisch ontwerp. Toen heraldiek niet langer werd gebruikt en heraldiek een deel van het burgerleven waren geworden, evolueerden ingewikkelde ontwerpen met esoterische betekenis volkomen in strijd met het oorspronkelijke doel van de heraldiek.

Heraldry originated when most people were illiterate but could easily recognize a bold, striking, and simple design. The use of heraldry in medieval warfare enabled combatants to distinguish one knight from another and thus to distinguish between friend and foe. Simplicity was the principal characteristic of medieval heraldry. In the tournament there was a more elaborate form of heraldic design. When heraldry was no longer used on body armour and heraldic devices had become a part of civilian life, intricate designs evolved with esoteric significance utterly at variance with heraldry’s original purpose.

The coat of arms was designed together with Mr. E.J.C. Boutmy de Katzmann curator Centraal Bureau voor Genealogie [CBG], Mr K. van den Sigtenhorst heraldic draftsman, and the Probandus Marnix Alexander de Paula Lopes.

Due to the Portuguese background, it was decided to use a bordured shield:
The 30 blocks refer to the number 30 as well as those of 3 & 0.
The number 30 refers to people who are open and honest and say what they mean and feel. They are also creative; this refers to the applicant Marnix Alexander de Paula Lopes.
The number 3 symbolizes self-expression, charisma & spontaneity, creativity & inspiration. The number O symbolizes infinity, eternity and the end and beginning of cycles. It is a number that indicates confidence in the inner wisdom and intuition.

Red is the color of fire and blood [the applicant's ancestors have been tested for the 'purity of their blood' in connection with 'Habilitações do Santo Ofício' by Luis Lopes dos Santos (Qualifications of the Holy Office) through the Santa da Fe ].

Silver for purity, a clear conscience, good intentions and kindness. These colors were also chosen because they are the colors of the coat of arms of the Order of Malta [Francisco de Paula Lopes dos Santos was 'Capitão do Corpo de Malta' ~ The post of captain he occupied with the corps raised him to what was called 'nobreza civil'].

The blue shield symbolizes stability for mind and body. It symbolizes confidence, loyalty, self-assurance, intelligence, wisdom, truth and faith.

The two gold lions rampant represent bravery & strength. They are turned towards each other, symbolizing the past and the present.

The chevron symbolizes support and strength.

The French Lily represents the Virgin Mary [Catholic background of the family] and purity.