A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Focke family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6965 · Dutch, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 une fasce échiq. d'azur et d'arg. de deux tires, acc. en chef de trois étoiles rangées de ...., et en p. de deux fasces ondées de .... — Ou: D'arg. à une fasce échiq. d'arg. et d'azur de trois tires, acc. en chef de trois étoiles rangées de .... et en p. d'une mer.”
NetherlandsAmsterdam, c. 1815
Where the Focke Arms Were Recorded
Amsterdam
Map of Netherlands showing where the Focke arms are recorded
The Focke arms were recorded in Amsterdam, c. 1815.
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.
Region
Amsterdam
Town
Amsterdam
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Focke Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Focke arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Netherlands.
Origin & History of the Focke Family in Netherlands
The family name Focke has deep roots that connect to the bustling urban landscape of the Netherlands during the early nineteenth century. By 1815, records confirm that members of the Focke family were well established in Amsterdam, a city that was then transitioning into a new era of trade and industry following the Napoleonic period. The name itself is thought to have originated as a short form of Germanic names containing the element folk, which translates to people or tribe. Over many generations, this name evolved from a personal identifier into a formal surname as families began to settle in specific regions. In the context of Amsterdam, the Focke family likely participated in the vibrant merchant culture that defined the city at the time. Their presence in official records from this era highlights how families integrated into the growing administrative systems of the Dutch state as it solidified its national identity.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
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 la bande d'or, acc. de deux étoiles du même. C.: une étoile d'or, entre un vol coupé alt. d'azur et d'or.”
GermanyBrème, c. 1765
Where the Focke Arms Were Recorded
Brème
Map of Germany showing where the Focke arms are recorded
The Focke arms were recorded in Brème, 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 Netherlands when the Focke 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 Focke Family in Germany
The family name Focke has deep roots in Northern Germany, particularly within the historic city-state of Bremen. By the mid-18th century, the family was already well-established in this region, as evidenced by records confirming their presence in Bremen by 1765. The name itself is thought to have originated as a short form of Germanic given names like Folkmar or Volkmar, which were common in the Middle Ages. Over time, these names evolved into surnames as families became more settled and needed ways to distinguish themselves in growing urban centers. As residents of a major trading hub like Bremen, early members of the Focke family likely participated in the city’s vibrant merchant culture, which relied heavily on maritime trade and international connections. This environment allowed families to build lasting legacies through commerce and civic involvement, helping the Focke name remain a recognized part of the region's social fabric for centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Folc
A Germanic term referring to the people or a folk group.
This name
FockeA patronymic or diminutive form derived from names starting with the element folk.
also spelled
Focque
Foke
Fockee
Fockey
Related arms
Butzlin de Sternfeldsimilar arms
Fokvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Stadsarchief Amsterdam, Bevolkingsregister van Amsterdam (Population Register of Amsterdam)
Nationaal Archief, Burgerlijke Stand van de Nederlandse gemeenten (Civil Registry of Dutch Municipalities)
Meertens, P.J., Voornamenboek: de herkomst en betekenis van onze voornamen (1993)
Van der Schaar, J., Woordenboek van voornamen (1964)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
