A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bastian family of Germany.
Reg. 3965 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 d'arg. à deux roses de gu., bout. d'or; au 2 d'azur à la fleur-de-lis d'or. A la champagne d'or. Cq. cour. C.: la fleur-de-lis, entre un vol coupé, à dextre de gu. sur arg., à sen. d'or sur azur. L. conformes aux émaux du vol [Une branche, M. en Schwarzbourg-Rudolstadt, le 21 juin 1799, porte les mêmes armes. Cq. cour. C.: la fleur-de-lis, entre deux prob., coupées à dextre de gu. sur arg., à sen. d'or sur azur. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'or et d'azur.]”
MecklenburgMecklenburg, c. 1784
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Map of Germany showing where the Bastian arms are recorded
The Bastian arms were recorded in Mecklenburg, c. 1784.
Mecklenburg was farming country in the north of Germany, held by a small number of families who kept their estates for generations. Owning land was what entitled a family to arms, so a great many Mecklenburg names ended up in the registers.
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.
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
1765–1790
Reigning in Germany when the Bastian 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 Mecklenburg.
Origin & History of the Bastian Family in Germany
The family name Bastian traces its origins to the ancient Greek name Sebastianus, which means "venerable" or "revered." Over many centuries, this name evolved into a common given name throughout Europe before eventually transitioning into a hereditary surname. By the late 18th century, the Bastian family was firmly established in the Mecklenburg region of northern Germany. Historical records confirm their presence there as early as 1784, a time when the area was defined by its rural agricultural traditions and the influence of the local nobility. Families like the Bastians often lived in small village communities where they worked as farmers or skilled craftsmen. Because Mecklenburg was a hub for trade and movement along the Baltic coast, the family likely participated in the steady social and economic changes that shaped northern German life during the Enlightenment era.
Bastian Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Sebastianus
Derived from the Greek word sebastos meaning venerable or revered.
This name
BastianA patronymic surname originating from the Latin name meaning from Sebaste.
also spelled
Bastyen
Bastyan
Bastien
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
Bahlow, Hans. Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Landeshauptarchiv Schwerin, Kirchenbücher der mecklenburgischen Landeskirche, 1784
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
