A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bergstein family of Germany.
Reg. 9692 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à six bill. couchées de sa., 3, 2 et 1; aux 2 et 3 de gu. à trois chev. d'arg. Sur le tout d'or à une montagne de sin., mouv. de la p. Trois cq. cour. C.: 1° trois pl. d'aut. d'arg.; 2° la montagne du surtout; 3° trois pl. de paon au nat. L.: à dextre d'or et de sa., à sen. d'arg. et de gu.”
HesseHesse, c. 1765
Where the Bergstein Arms Were Recorded
Hesse
Map of Germany showing where the Bergstein arms are recorded
The Bergstein arms were recorded in Hesse, c. 1765.
Hesse was central German country, divided among a large number of small landowners and prosperous towns. So many separate households held ground there that the region produced an unusual number of coats 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.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Germany when the Bergstein 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 Hesse.
Origin & History of the Bergstein Family in Germany
The surname Bergstein is a topographic name that originated in the German-speaking regions of Europe, specifically within the historic state of Hesse. The name is formed by combining the German words for mountain, which is Berg, and stone, which is Stein. Families who adopted this name likely lived near a prominent rocky hill or a specific mountain landmark that served as a local point of reference. By 1765, records confirm that members of the Bergstein family were well-established residents within the Hessian territory. During this period, families in the region were often identified by their connection to the local landscape or their specific trade. As the family grew, they became part of the social and agricultural fabric of the Hessian countryside, contributing to the development of their local communities through farming and craftsmanship.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Berg and Stein
Mountain or hill and stone or rock.
This name
BergsteinA topographic name for someone living near a rocky mountain or hill.
also spelled
Bergsteinh
Bergsteine
Bergstine
Bergsteen
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
Hessisches Staatsarchiv Marburg, Kirchenbücher und Zivilstandsregister, 1765
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
