A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fritzen family of Germany.
Reg. 9675 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Parti: au 1 de gu. à une licorne ramp. et cont. d'arg.; au 2 bandé d'azur et d'or; à une rose en coeur, de l'un en l'autre. Cq. cour. C.: la licorne, iss., entre un vol, l'aile dextre barrée d'arg. et de gu., l'aile sen. bandée d'or et d'azur, à une rose de l'un en l'autre. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'arg. et d'azur.”
BrandenburgBrandenburg, c. 1636
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Map of Germany showing where the Fritzen arms are recorded
The Fritzen arms were recorded in Brandenburg, c. 1636.
Brandenburg was sandy farming country around Berlin, held in large estates by families who served as officers. Land and military service each brought arms, and most families there had both.
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.
Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor
1619–1637
Reigning in Germany when the Fritzen 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 Brandenburg.
Origin & History of the Fritzen Family in Germany
The surname Fritzen is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify someone as the son or descendant of a man named Fritz. The name Fritz itself is a shortened, affectionate version of the Germanic name Friedrich, which translates to peaceful ruler. By the year 1636, records confirm that members of the Fritzen family were established in the Brandenburg region of Germany. This period was a difficult time in German history due to the ongoing Thirty Years' War, which caused significant displacement and hardship for many families living in the area. Despite these challenges, the Fritzen family maintained their presence in the region, likely working as farmers or tradespeople within the local village communities. Over the following generations, the name became firmly rooted in the local culture as families expanded and settled into various towns across the Prussian landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Friedrich
Derived from Germanic elements meaning peaceful ruler.
This name
FritzenA patronymic name indicating descent from a person named Fritz, a diminutive of Friedrich.
also spelled
Fritzy
Frytze
Fritza
Fritsy
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich. 1903
Bahlow, Hans. Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt. 1967
Brandenburgisches Landeshauptarchiv, Generalverzeichnis der Kirchenbücher der Mark Brandenburg
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
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
