A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fifer family of Germany.
Reg. 5150 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 deux étoiles d'or en chef et une fleur-de-lis d'arg. en p. Cq. cour. C.: un homme iss., hab. d'azur, coiffé d'un chapeau du même, jouant de la flûte; entre deux prob., coupées alt. d'azur et d'arg. L. d'arg. et d'azur.”
GermanyMunich, c. 1725
Where the Fifer Arms Were Recorded
Munich
Map of Germany showing where the Fifer arms are recorded
The Fifer arms were recorded in Munich, c. 1725.
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.
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
1711–1740
Reigning in Germany when the Fifer 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 Fifer Family in Germany
The family name Fifer is an occupational surname that originated from the German word *Pfeifer*, which translates to someone who plays the fife or flute. During the medieval period, musicians were essential members of town life, often performing at public festivals, weddings, and military events. By the time the family was documented in Munich in 1725, the name had become a well-established identifier for individuals who either earned their living through music or were known for their skill with a woodwind instrument. As the family settled into the urban environment of Bavaria, they likely integrated into the local guild systems that regulated professional musicians. This transition from a descriptive nickname to a formal family name reflects the broader historical trend of European families adopting surnames based on their specific trade or craft within their local communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Pfeife
A musical instrument or pipe used for signaling or entertainment.
This name
FiferAn occupational surname for a professional flute player or a fife player.
also spelled
Pfeiffer
Pfeifer
Pfeuffer
Foyfer
Fifer
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
Stadtarchiv München, Bürgerrechtsverzeichnisse und Zunftrollen, 1725
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
