A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Folkert family of Germany.
Reg. 4681 · German, D–F
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
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“De gu. à la bande d'or, bordée d'arg., ch. de trois étoiles du même. C.: un cheval iss. d'arg. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'or et de gu.”
GermanyNuremberg, c. 1765
Where the Folkert Arms Were Recorded
Nuremberg
Map of Germany showing where the Folkert arms are recorded
The Folkert 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 Folkert 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 Folkert Family in Germany
The name Folkert originates from the Germanic personal name Folkard, which combines the elements for "people" and "brave" or "strong." This name was popular throughout Northern Europe and the Germanic regions during the Middle Ages, eventually evolving into a surname as families began to adopt permanent identifiers. By the year 1765, records confirm that members of the Folkert family were established in the city of Nuremberg. During this period, Nuremberg served as a major center for trade and skilled craftsmanship, suggesting that the family likely participated in the city’s thriving merchant or artisan guilds. As residents of a prominent imperial city, these early ancestors lived through a time of significant economic growth and cultural change in Bavaria, helping to shape the identity of the family name as it transitioned from a simple given name into a lasting hereditary title.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Volk-hard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning people and hardy or brave.
This name
FolkertA name signifying a person who is brave or strong among the people.
also spelled
Volckert
Folkert
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
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich. 1903
Stadtarchiv Nürnberg. Bürgerbücher der Stadt Nürnberg. 1765
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
