A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Behling family of Germany.
Reg. 9380 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Parti d'arg. et d'azur; à un chêne au nat., fruité d'or, posé sur une colline de sin. sillonnée d'un ruisseau en bande ondée; le tout br. sur le parti; ledit chêne accosté de deux griffons affr., celui à dextre d'azur et celui à sen. d'or. C.: deux branches de chêne, posées en pals, entrelacées en double saut., chacune feuillée de deux pièces, et englantées d'une seule pièce, le tout d'or; entre un vol coupé alt. de gu. et d'azur. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'or et d'azur.”
GermanyHan, c. 1666
Where the Behling Arms Were Recorded
Han
Map of Germany showing where the Behling arms are recorded
The Behling arms were recorded in Han, c. 1666.
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.
Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor
1658–1705
Reigning in Germany when the Behling 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 Germany.
Origin & History of the Behling Family in Germany
The surname Behling is rooted in the northern regions of Germany, where it developed as a patronymic name derived from the personal name Belo or Beli. Historical records confirm that members of the Behling family were established in the town of Han by 1666. During this period, families in rural German territories were often identified by their connection to specific landholdings or local trade guilds. As the family grew, they became part of the agricultural and artisanal backbone of the region. The name evolved through local dialects over several centuries, eventually stabilizing into its current spelling as record-keeping practices became more formal in parish registers and municipal documents. This transition reflects the broader movement of families across the German landscape as they transitioned from small village life toward more structured administrative communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Belo
Derived from the Germanic word for white, fair, or bright.
This name
BehlingA patronymic surname indicating a descendant of someone with fair hair or complexion.
also spelled
Beling
Behlyng
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
Landesarchiv Nordrhein-Westfalen, Personenstandsregister (Civil and Church Records)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
