A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Derr family of Germany.
Reg. 6289 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chess rookStrategy, and the defence of a position
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à la bande de sa., ch. de trois rocs d'échiquier d'arg., posés dans le sens de la bande. C.: un buste d'homme, hab. d'arg., coiffé d'un bonnet du même, retr. de sa.”
GermanyNuremberg, c. 1765
Where the Derr Arms Were Recorded
Nuremberg
Map of Germany showing where the Derr arms are recorded
The Derr arms were recorded in Nuremberg, c. 1765.
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 Derr 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 Derr Family in Germany
The family name Derr is deeply rooted in the German-speaking regions of Europe, with significant historical ties to the city of Nuremberg. By the year 1765, records confirm that members of the Derr family were established residents in this bustling center of trade and craftsmanship. The name itself is often linked to the Middle High German word "der," which was a common article, or it may have served as a shortened form of names like Theodoric. During the eighteenth century, Nuremberg was a hub for skilled artisans and merchants, and families like the Derrs were often involved in the city's famous metalworking or printing industries. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the Holy Roman Empire, contributing to the local economy and the civic life of their urban community. Their presence in such a prominent city suggests that they were likely integrated into the professional guilds that defined life in Nuremberg during that era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Der
A Middle High German definite article meaning the.
This name
DerrA topographic or habitational name referring to someone living near a specific landmark.
also spelled
Derre
Der
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bischoff, Johannes. Nürnberger Bürgerverzeichnisse des 18. Jahrhunderts. 1954
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich. 1903
Stadtarchiv Nürnberg (City Archive of Nuremberg). Bürgerbücher der Stadt Nürnberg (Citizen Books of the City of Nuremberg), 1760–1770
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chess rookStrategy, and the defence of a position
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chess rookStrategy, and the defence of a position
