A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barthelmes family of Germany.
Reg. 5125 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
pegasusFame, eloquence and swift renown
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Coupé : au 1 de gu. au Pégase galopant d'arg.; au 2 d'azur à la fleur-de lis d'or. Cq. cour. C.: le Pégase, iss. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'or et d'azur.”
SilesiaSilesia, c. 1585
Where the Barthelmes Arms Were Recorded
Map of Germany showing where the Barthelmes arms are recorded
The Barthelmes arms were recorded in Silesia, c. 1585.
Silesia was farming country in the east of the German lands, held in large estates by families who stayed put for generations. Owning land was what entitled a family to arms, so the region fills a good deal of the register.
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 Germany in this period.
Emperor Rudolf II
Sovereign of the period
Emperor Rudolf II
1576–1612
Reigning in Germany when the Barthelmes arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Silesia.
Origin & History of the Barthelmes Family in Germany
The surname Barthelmes is a patronymic name, which means it originated from the given name Bartholomew. During the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it became common for families to adopt the first names of their ancestors as permanent surnames. By 1585, records confirm that families bearing this name were established in the region of Silesia. At that time, Silesia was a crossroads of culture and trade located within the Holy Roman Empire. Families with this name were likely involved in the agricultural and craft-based economy that defined the area during the sixteenth century. As the name spread through the German-speaking territories, it evolved into various spellings, but the core identity remained tied to the historical roots of the Silesian region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bartholomaeus
Aramaic name meaning son of Talmai or son of the furrow.
This name
BarthelmesA German patronymic surname derived from the personal name Bartholomew, signifying son of Bartholomew.
also spelled
Barthelme
Bartelmes
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
State Archive in Wrocław (Archiwum Państwowe we Wrocławiu), Akta miasta Wrocławia, 1585
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
pegasusFame, eloquence and swift renown
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
pegasusFame, eloquence and swift renown
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
