A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bernardin family of Austria.
Reg. 8816 · Austrian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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'or à l'ours assis de sa., celui du 1 cont.; aux 2 et 3 de gu. à la tour d'arg., posée sur une terrasse de sin. Cq. cour. C.: la tour.”
CarinthiaCarinthia, c. 1772
Where the Bernardin Arms Were Recorded
Carinthia
Map of Austria showing where the Bernardin arms are recorded
The Bernardin arms were recorded in Carinthia, c. 1772.
Carinthia was Alpine country in southern Austria with iron and lead in its mountains. Mining and landholding both made money, and families who held either kind of property took 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.
Region
Carinthia
First recorded
1772
Granting Authority for the Bernardin Arms
Imperial and Royal chancery
Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
1765–1790
Reigning in Austria when the Bernardin arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Austria
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.
Granting authority
The Imperial and Royal chancery managed all heraldic matters and controlled the official granting of arms throughout the Austrian lands.
How they got arms
Families typically received their arms through a formal imperial decree that often accompanied the elevation of a person to noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Official records of these grants were kept in the Imperial Register of Nobility which began its formal documentation process in 1453.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Carinthia.
Origin & History of the Bernardin Family in Austria
The name Bernardin originates from the Germanic personal name Bernhard, which combines the words for bear and brave. By the late 18th century, families carrying this name were well established in the mountainous region of Carinthia. Records from 1772 show that members of the Bernardin family were integrated into the local social and economic life of this Austrian territory. During this period, the family likely lived as part of the agrarian or artisan classes common to the Alpine landscape. As the name spread through the region, it became a distinct identifier for families who maintained strong ties to their local communities. The presence of the family in Carinthia during this time suggests they were part of the long-standing cultural history of the southern Austrian provinces.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bernhard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning brave or bold bear.
This name
BernardinA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person named Bernard.
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Kranzmayer, Eberhard, Ortsnamenbuch von Kärnten, 1956
Kärntner Landesarchiv, Ständische Akten und Protokolle, 1772
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon, 1967
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
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
