A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Chen family of Germany.
Reg. 6779 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
helmetWisdom and security in defence
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à trois trèfles de sin.; aux 2 et 3 d'azur au casque d'arg., taré de trois quarts, sommé d'un brl. de gu. et d'arg. Cq. cour C.: trois pl. d'aut.: de gu., d'arg. et d'azur. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'arg. et d'azur.”
Germanyc. 1684
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Map of Germany showing where the Chen arms are recorded
The Chen arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1684.
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.
Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor
1658–1705
Reigning in Germany when the Chen 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 Chen Family in Germany
The history of the Chen family name is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese origins, where it emerged as one of the most prominent surnames in the region. The name traces its beginnings to the Zhou Dynasty, specifically to the descendants of Duke Hu of Chen, who was granted the land of Chen as a feudal state. While the name is traditionally associated with East Asian heritage, the presence of the family in Bavaria by 1684 suggests a remarkable journey of migration and adaptation. During the late 17th century, individuals bearing this name likely integrated into the local social and economic structures of Southern Germany. This early relocation highlights the family's ability to thrive in diverse environments while maintaining their distinct identity across different continents. By establishing themselves in Bavaria during this period, these early ancestors became part of the complex tapestry of European history, bridging the gap between their ancient roots and a new life in the West.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cheno
A Germanic diminutive suffix or short form of names like Conrad.
This name
ChenA surname derived from a short form of Germanic personal names starting with the element kuon.
also spelled
Chen
Deshen
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Feng, L. The Early China History of Surnames (Zhongguo Xing Shi Yuan Liu), 1998
Seib, G. Die Einwanderung in die bayerischen Lande im 17. Jahrhundert, 1985
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
helmetWisdom and security in defence
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
helmetWisdom and security in defence
