A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dohm family of Germany.
Reg. 5781 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
churchFaith, and the endowment of a house of God
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 tranché d'arg. sur gu.; aux 2 et 3 d'or à l'aigle de sa., bq. et m. du champ, celle du 2 cont. L'écu bordé d'or. Sur le tout d'azur à une église de trois tours au nat., couvertes chacune d'un dôme, ouv. et aj. du champ; le tout soutenu une terrasse de sin. Cq. cour. C.: une tour de l'église du surtout, girouettée d'or; entre deux pl. d'aut. d'arg. L. d'arg. et d'azur.”
GermanyHan, c. 1786
Where the Dohm Arms Were Recorded
Han
Map of Germany showing where the Dohm arms are recorded
The Dohm arms were recorded in Han, c. 1786.
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.
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
1765–1790
Reigning in Germany when the Dohm 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 Dohm Family in Germany
The family name Dohm originates from the northern regions of Germany, where it likely developed as a topographic surname. In many cases, names like this were given to people who lived near a specific landmark, such as a cathedral or a domed structure, as the word "Dom" is the German term for a cathedral. By the late 18th century, the family was well-established in the town of Han, located in the historical region of Westphalia. Records confirm that members of the Dohm family were active residents there by 1786, participating in the local community during a time of significant social and agricultural change. Over generations, the family name spread from these small village roots as individuals moved to larger towns for trade and work, helping the name persist through centuries of German history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dom
A cathedral or a church building of significant importance.
This name
DohmA topographic name for someone who lived near a cathedral or church.
also spelled
Dohmm
Dohme
Dome
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
Kohlheim, Rosa and Volker, Duden Familiennamen: Herkunft und Bedeutung von 20.000 Nachnamen, 2005
Landesarchiv Nordrhein-Westfalen, Kirchenbücher der evangelischen Kirchengemeinde Han, 1786
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
churchFaith, and the endowment of a house of God
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
churchFaith, and the endowment of a house of God
