A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cölmer family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2448 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à trois étoiles (8) mal-ordonnées d'or. Cq. cour. C.: une queue de paon au nat., ch. d'une étoile (8) d'or.”
GermanyDantzig, c. 1649
Where the Cölmer Arms Were Recorded
Bavaria
Map of Germany showing where the Cölmer arms are recorded
The Cölmer arms were recorded in Dantzig, c. 1649.
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.
Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor
1637–1657
Reigning in Germany when the Cölmer 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 Cölmer Family in Germany
The family name Cölmer originated in the German-speaking regions as a topographic or habitational surname, likely identifying individuals who hailed from the city of Cologne, known in German as Köln. During the Middle Ages, people often adopted names that described their place of origin to distinguish themselves in growing communities. By the mid-seventeenth century, the name had established a firm presence in Bavaria, as evidenced by records confirming family members were living there in 1649. This period was a time of significant social rebuilding in southern Germany following the conclusion of the Thirty Years' War. As families moved across the landscape to find stability and work, the name Cölmer traveled with them, evolving from a simple geographic descriptor into a lasting family identity that persisted through generations of Bavarian history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Gyronny of eight ar. and sa. on a chief or, three lions ramp. gu”
NorfolkWyghton · Norfolk, c. 1620
Where the Cölmer Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Cölmer arms are recorded
The Cölmer arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Cölmer 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Cölmer Family in England
The name Cölmer is rooted in the history of Northern Europe, and its presence in England marks a fascinating chapter of migration and settlement. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the family had established themselves in the county of Norfolk. During this period, Norfolk was a bustling hub for trade and agriculture, attracting many people from across the North Sea who sought new opportunities in the English countryside. The name itself suggests a connection to the city of Cologne, as it likely served as a descriptive label for someone who had traveled from that region to settle in a new land. As these early family members integrated into Norfolk society, they became part of the local fabric, contributing to the diverse cultural and economic life of East Anglia during the early seventeenth century. This migration reflects the broader movement of people who helped shape the local communities of England through their skills and their distinct heritage.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Columbaria
Latin term referring to a dovecote or a place for keeping pigeons.
This name
CölmerAn occupational surname for someone who worked as a pigeon keeper or lived near a dovecote.
also spelled
Colmar
Related arms
Tolwynsame arms
Colemerevariant spelling
Muller de Münenbergrecorded with Cölmer, 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 Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
