A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brochhausen family of Germany.
Reg. 2774 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“D'azur à un château de deux tours reliées par un mur crén., le tout d'arg., maçonné de sa., ouv. et aj. du champ; au chef de gu. ch. de trois trèfles d'or, et à la champagne losangée d'arg. et de gu. L'écu bordé d'or. Cq. cour. C.: un dextrochère, arm. d'arg., la main de carn. brandissant un sabre au nat.; entre un vol de l'aigle de Prusse. L. d'arg. et d'azur. S.: deux aigles de Prusse, reg.”
Germanyc. 1806
Where the Brochhausen Arms Were Recorded
Bavaria
Map of Germany showing where the Brochhausen arms are recorded
The Brochhausen arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1806.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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.
Frederick William III of Prussia
Sovereign of the period
Frederick William III of Prussia
1797–1840
Reigning in Germany when the Brochhausen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
Prussian heraldry was strictly tied to social rank and noble status rather than being a free choice for every citizen. These symbols were treated as permanent family property that moved through the generations to all legitimate heirs. If a family branch wanted to change their design to stand out, they had to apply for official permission to alter their specific version of the shield.
Granting authority
The Prussian Heroldsamt acted as the central state office that managed and strictly controlled all noble titles and coats of arms.
How they got arms
Families usually obtained their arms through formal royal grants or by proving their long-standing noble status to the state authorities.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms were kept in the rolls of the Prussian Heroldsamt, which functioned from 1706 until 1918.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Brochhausen Family in Germany
The family name Brochhausen originates from the German language and is classified as a topographic surname. This means the name was likely adopted by people who lived near a specific landmark, specifically a "brook" or "marsh" located near a house or settlement. By the year 1806, records confirm that the family was well established in the region of Bavaria. During this period, Bavaria was undergoing significant political changes as it transitioned into a kingdom under the influence of the Napoleonic Wars. Families living in this area at the time were often tied to the land through agriculture or local trade. As the region modernized, the Brochhausen family likely moved between rural villages and growing administrative centers, helping to preserve their name through local church registries and tax documents.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Broch and Hausen
Broch refers to a marsh or swamp and Hausen means houses.
This name
BrochhausenRefers to a settlement or dwelling located near a marshy or swampy area.
also spelled
Brokhausen
Brocchhausen
Brochhausenn
Brokhowzen
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
Bayerisches Hauptstaatsarchiv, General-Landes-Direktion, Akten des bayerischen Staatsministeriums des Innern, 1806
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familiennamen: 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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
