Map of Germany showing where the Cave arms are recorded
The Cave arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1765.
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.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Germany when the Cave 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 Cave Family in Germany
The family name Cave has roots that reach back into the historical landscape of southern Germany, specifically within the region of Bavaria. By the middle of the eighteenth century, members of the family were firmly established in this area, as evidenced by records dating back to 1765. In the German context, the name likely evolved from descriptive terms related to the local geography or the specific occupations of early ancestors who lived near natural hollows or rocky shelters. During this period, families in Bavaria were often deeply tied to the land, and names frequently shifted in spelling as they were recorded by local officials in church registers or tax documents. These early ancestors were part of a society transitioning through the Enlightenment, where the stability of village life allowed for the preservation of family lineages across generations. By tracking these individuals in the mid-1700s, we gain a glimpse into a time when the Cave name was becoming a fixed part of the social fabric in the Bavarian countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bordureA difference between branches of one family
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Sa. fretty ar. on a fesse or, a greyhound courant of the field, within a bordure of the third pean; quartering OLIVER and COX”
GloucesterBrentry · Gloucester, c. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Cave arms are recorded
The Cave arms were recorded in Gloucester, c. 1620.
Gloucestershire had good farmland, a cloth trade in its valleys and a river carrying goods to Bristol. All three made money, and money bought the estates that brought arms with them.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Germany when the Cave arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Gloucester.
Origin & History of the Cave Family in England
The surname Cave is a locational name that originated in England, likely referring to people who lived near a cave or a hollow in the earth. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Gloucester. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Cave family were active in this region during a period of significant social and economic change in England. At that time, Gloucester was a bustling center for trade and river transport, which provided many opportunities for families to build their livelihoods. As the family settled into the local community, they became part of the long history of English surnames that were derived from the physical landscape. Their presence in Gloucester during this era reflects the common pattern of families putting down roots in growing urban centers to pursue new trades and civic roles.
Cave Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
cava
A hollow space or cavity in the earth.
This name
CaveA topographic name for someone who lived near a cave or hollow.
also spelled
Kave
Kav
Caue
Related arms
Barborrecorded with Cave, same area
Barnewellrecorded with Cave, same area
Cocksrecorded with Cave, same area
Custrecorded with Cave, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bordureA difference between branches of one family
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
