A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Freund family of Germany.
Reg. 5778 · 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
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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'azur, ch. de trois étoiles d'arg. C.: un héron d'arg., tenant de sa”
GermanyDresde, c. 1765
Where the Freund Arms Were Recorded
Dresde
Map of Germany showing where the Freund arms are recorded
The Freund arms were recorded in Dresde, 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 Freund 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 Freund Family in Germany
The surname Freund originates from the Middle High German word *vriunt*, which translates directly to friend. In the medieval period, this name often served as a descriptive nickname for a person known for their kind nature or their role as a trusted companion within a community. By the time members of the family were documented in Dresden in 1765, the name had long been established as a common occupational or character-based surname across German-speaking lands. During the eighteenth century, Dresden was a vibrant center of culture and trade under the rule of the Electors of Saxony. Families living in the city at this time were often part of the growing urban middle class, which included skilled craftsmen, merchants, and civil servants. The presence of the Freund family in these historical records suggests they were integrated into the social and economic life of this influential city during a time of significant architectural and artistic expansion.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Freond
Old Germanic term referring to a person one is fond of.
This name
FreundA surname historically used to denote a friend, associate, or a person of good standing.
also spelled
Fround
Froynd
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
Sächsisches Staatsarchiv. Dresdner Adressbücher und Einwohnerverzeichnisse. 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
