A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Derro family of Germany.
Reg. 9552 · 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
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Map of Germany showing where the Derro arms are recorded
The Derro 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 Derro 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 Derro Family in Germany
The family name Derro has deep roots in the historic city of Nuremberg, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1765. During the eighteenth century, Nuremberg was a major center for trade and skilled craftsmanship, which likely influenced the daily lives and occupations of the early Derro family. Families in this region often lived in tight-knit urban communities that were centered around the city’s famous guild system. Because Nuremberg was a hub for metalworking and clockmaking at the time, it is probable that the family participated in the city’s thriving artisan economy. Over time, the family name became part of the local fabric of the city, reflecting the broader social changes and the industrial growth that defined the region during the late Enlightenment period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dörr
Derived from the Middle High German word for dry or withered.
This name
DerroA topographic name for someone living on dry or barren land.
also spelled
Derre
Der
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Stadtarchiv Nürnberg, Bürgerbücher der Stadt Nürnberg (1765)
Endres, Rudolf, Nürnberg im 18. Jahrhundert (1975)
Schultheiss, Werner, Nürnberger Familien im 18. Jahrhundert (1960)
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
