A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Buchwald family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7591 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé d'arg. sur gu; à une tête de lion ou hure de sanglier de sa., cour. d'or, br. sur le coupé. Cq. cour. C.: le meuble de l'écu. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'arg et de sa.”
HolsteinDan · Holstein, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Buchwald arms are recorded
The Buchwald arms were recorded in Holstein, c. 1765.
Holstein was farming country between the North Sea and the Baltic, held in large estates. The same families kept the same land for generations, and generations of holding is what fills a register.
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 Buchwald 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 Holstein.
Origin & History of the Buchwald Family in Germany
The name Buchwald is a topographic surname that originated in the German-speaking regions of Europe. It is composed of the words "Buch," meaning beech tree, and "Wald," meaning forest. This suggests that the earliest families to carry the name likely lived near a prominent beech forest or managed woodland areas. By the mid-18th century, the family had established a clear presence in the northern region of Holstein. During this period, the social structure in Holstein was heavily influenced by land ownership and agricultural labor, which often dictated where families settled and how they identified themselves. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of northern German society, reflecting the common practice of adopting names derived from the natural landscapes that defined their daily lives and surroundings.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
foxWit and wisdom in defence
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: au 1 parti de gu. et d'arg.; aux 2 et 3 de pourpre au lion d'or, tenant de ses pattes une couronne du même, dans laquelle sont passées huit petites bannières d'azur; le lion du 3 cont.; au 4 d'azur à un renard ramp. au nat. Sur le tout de Buchwald, qui est coupé d'arg. sur gu., à une hure et col de sanglier au nat., cour. d'or, br. sur le coupé. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° le meuble du surtout cont.; 2° le lion du 2, iss., cour. d'or.”
Swedenc. 1675
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Map of Sweden showing where the Buchwald arms are recorded
The Buchwald arms were recorded in Sweden, c. 1675.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Stockholm.
Stockholm held the Swedish court and the House of Nobility, where every noble family's arms were entered and kept. Families ennobled for service registered there, which is why so many are recorded around the city.
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 Sweden in this period.
Charles XI of Sweden
Sovereign of the period
Charles XI of Sweden
1660–1697
Reigning in Germany when the Buchwald arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Sweden
In Sweden, a coat of arms belonged to a noble family as a whole rather than just one individual. These arms were passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants. Younger branches of the family used the same shield without needing to change it. This system ensured that the entire lineage shared the same identity and status under the law.
Granting authority
The Riddarhuset, or House of Nobility, regulated all noble coats of arms in Sweden under royal authority.
How they got arms
Families received their coats of arms through royal grants of nobility which were then officially registered with the House.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Swedish House of Nobility register starting in the year 1626.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Sweden.
Origin & History of the Buchwald Family in Sweden
The Buchwald name has deep roots in Northern Europe, and its presence in Sweden dates back to at least 1675 when members of the family were documented living in Stockholm. During the seventeenth century, Sweden was a major power in the Baltic region, which encouraged the movement of merchants, soldiers, and skilled professionals across borders. Families like the Buchwalds often arrived in Stockholm as part of this international exchange, seeking new opportunities in a rapidly growing capital city. By establishing themselves in the urban center during this period, the family became part of the diverse social fabric that defined the Swedish Golden Age. Their early history in Stockholm reflects a time of transition, where individuals with German-sounding surnames integrated into Swedish society through trade, military service, or administrative roles. This migration pattern highlights how the Buchwald name became woven into the historical narrative of Sweden long before the modern era.
Buchwald Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Buche and Wald
Beech tree and forest or woodland area.
This name
BuchwaldRefers to someone who lived near or worked within a beech forest.
also spelled
Buchwalde
Buchwalder
Buchwald-von
Bookwald
Related arms
Ahnenrecorded with Buchwald, same area
Barnerrecorded with Buchwald, same area
Brandrecorded with Buchwald, same area
Cramonrecorded with Buchwald, same area
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
Landesarchiv Schleswig-Holstein, Kirchenbücher der evangelisch-lutherischen Kirchengemeinden in Holstein, 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
foxWit and wisdom in defence
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
