It was used by several szlachta (noble) families under the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.

The Kotwica coat of arms was particularly popular among families of foreign origin indigenated in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Gules, an Argent anchor, with three lopped branches on the dexter, all proper, debruised of a loop or anille in chief, also proper.

Alternatively the shield is Argent and the anchor Black, Brunatre or Or.

Notable bearers of this coat of arms have included: