Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'or à l'éléphant de sa., la trompe abaissée. C.: deux prob. de sa.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Behringer family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'or à l'éléphant de sa., la trompe abaissée. C.: deux prob. de sa.”

The Behringer arms were recorded in Nördlingen Bav, c. 1765.
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.
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.
The surname Behringer originates from the southern regions of Germany, specifically within the historic landscape of Swabia and Franconia. The name is classified as a topographic or habitational surname, likely derived from the Middle High German word "bering," which referred to an enclosed area or a fortified settlement. Families carrying this name were often associated with those who lived near or managed such protected spaces. By the mid-18th century, the Behringer family had established a notable presence in the free imperial city of Nördlingen. During this era, Nördlingen was a center for trade and craftsmanship, and families like the Behringers played an active role in the civic and economic life of the city. Their presence in local records from 1765 reflects a time when the family was well-integrated into the social fabric of this walled town, contributing to the local industries that defined the region’s history.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'azur à la bande d'arg., ch. d'une fleur-de-lis du champ posée dans le sens de la bande et de deux roses de gu. C.: une fleur-de-lis d'azur, en pal, entre deux prob. coupées d'arg. sur azur, ornées chacune son embouchure d'une rose (sans tige) de gu.”

The Behringer arms were recorded in Austria, c. 1772.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Tyrol.
Tyrol was mountain country in western Austria, where the valleys were held by families who had been there a very long time. Old tenure counted for more than money, and old families carried arms.
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.
Austrian coats of arms were often linked directly to noble titles granted by the Emperor. These symbols belonged to the entire family line rather than just one individual. When a family grew, new branches kept the original design without needing to change it. This system allowed all members of a noble house to share the same identity across many generations.
The family name Behringer finds its roots in the high-altitude landscapes of the Austrian Tyrol, where records confirm the presence of family members as early as 1772. The name itself is derived from the Old High German word "ber," meaning bear, and was likely used as a descriptive term for a person with a strong or brave personality. During the late 18th century, families in this region were often deeply connected to the land, working as skilled farmers, foresters, or craftsmen in the isolated mountain valleys. Life in the Tyrol was defined by the harsh climate and the rugged terrain, which required the Behringer family to be resilient and self-sufficient. As they settled into these alpine communities, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the unique cultural identity that defines the Austrian mountain provinces. By tracking these early ancestors, we see a family that was shaped by the traditions and the challenging environment of the Eastern Alps.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Or, a cross vert on a bend gu. three fleurs-de-lis of the first”

The Behringer arms were recorded in Hants, c. 1620.
Hampshire had the naval dockyards at Portsmouth on one side and good farmland on the other. Sea money and land money both bought estates, and an estate was what brought a family its coat of arms.
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.
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
The Behringer family name carries a history rooted in Germanic origins, yet its presence in England provides a fascinating look at early migration and settlement. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the family had established themselves in the county of Hampshire, also known as Hants. During this period, England was a hub of movement for continental Europeans who were often drawn to the region by trade opportunities or religious shifts. Settling in a coastal area like Hampshire suggests that these early family members may have been involved in maritime commerce or local agriculture. As they integrated into the English landscape, the name likely underwent subtle changes in spelling to match the local phonetic patterns of the time. This transition marks the beginning of the family’s long-standing connection to the English countryside, reflecting a broader trend of families moving across borders to build new lives.
Derived from the Germanic personal name Bero meaning bear.


