A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Birkner family of Germany.
Reg. 8086 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à l'arbre de sin., posé sur un tertre du même; le champ chaperonné-ployé de gu., à deux étoiles (8) d'arg. C.: l'arbre, entre un vol coupé alt. d'arg. et de gu.”
GermanyNuremberg, c. 1765
Where the Birkner Arms Were Recorded
Nuremberg
Map of Germany showing where the Birkner arms are recorded
The Birkner arms were recorded in Nuremberg, 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.
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 Birkner 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 Birkner Family in Germany
The surname Birkner is a topographical name that originated in the German-speaking regions of Central Europe. It is derived from the Middle High German word "birke," which refers to a birch tree. Historically, the name was used to identify people who lived near a birch forest or a grove of birch trees. By the mid-18th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Nuremberg. During this period, Nuremberg was a thriving center for trade and craftsmanship, and families like the Birkners often integrated into the city’s skilled artisan or merchant classes. Records confirm that members of the family were living and working in Nuremberg by 1765, contributing to the city’s reputation as a hub of industry and culture during the Enlightenment era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Birke
A deciduous tree with white bark known as the birch tree.
This name
BirknerA topographic name for someone who lived near a birch tree or a birch forest.
also spelled
Byrkner
Berkner
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
Stadtarchiv Nürnberg, Bürgerbücher der Stadt Nürnberg
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
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
