A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fuerstenberg family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1206 · Austrian, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'or, à la bordure nébulée d'arg. sur azur; le champ ch. d'une aigle de gu., bq. et m. d'azur, ch. sur l'estomac d'un écusson éc.: aux 1 et 4 de gu. au gonfanon d'arg. (Werdenberg); aux 2 et 3 d'arg. à la bande vivrée de sa. (Heiligenberg). Cinq cq. d'or, cour. du même, excepté le troisième. C.: 1° un buste d'homme, hab. d'azur, au rabat d'arg., coiffé d'un bonnet albanais d'azur, retr. d'arg. (Stühlingen); 1. d'arg. et d'azur; 2° un mitre épiscopal de gu., bordé d'arg., orné d'or et de perles (Werdenberg); l. d'arg. et de gu.; 3° une boule d'arg., posée sur un coussin de gu., houppé d'or (Fürstenberg); l. d'arg. et de gu.; 4° une tête et col de chien braque d'arg., l'oreille ch. d'une bande vivrée de sa. (Heiligenberg); l. d'arg. et de sa.; 5° un cygne d'arg., cour. d'or, accosté de deux bâtons d'or, sommés chacun d'une plume de paon au nat. (Lupfen); l. d'arg. et d'azur. T.: deux anges. Manteau de gu., doublé d'herm. [Les landgraves de F. portent les mêmes armes, sans casques ni cimiers. Manteau de pourpre, frangé d'or, doublé d'herm., sommé de la couronne princière].”
WurttembergWurttemberg, c. 1772
Where the Fuerstenberg Arms Were Recorded
Map of Austria showing where the Fuerstenberg arms are recorded
The Fuerstenberg arms were recorded in Wurttemberg, c. 1772.
Wurttemberg was southern German country of small estates and well-off market towns. Both landowners and leading townsmen kept arms there, so the region carries far more names than its size suggests.
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
Wurttemberg
First recorded
1772
Granting Authority for the Fuerstenberg Arms
Imperial and Royal chancery
Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
1765–1790
Reigning in Austria when the Fuerstenberg arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Austria
Austrian coats of arms were often linked directly to noble titles granted by the Emperor. These symbols belonged to the entire family line rather than just one individual. When a family grew, new branches kept the original design without needing to change it. This system allowed all members of a noble house to share the same identity across many generations.
Granting authority
The Imperial and Royal chancery managed all heraldic matters and controlled the official granting of arms throughout the Austrian lands.
How they got arms
Families typically received their arms through a formal imperial decree that often accompanied the elevation of a person to noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Official records of these grants were kept in the Imperial Register of Nobility which began its formal documentation process in 1453.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Wurttemberg.
Origin & History of the Fuerstenberg Family in Austria
The family name Fuerstenberg originates from the German word for prince, suggesting that early ancestors likely held positions of service or land management within noble estates. By the year 1772, historical records confirm that members of the family were firmly established in the region of Württemberg. As the family expanded their reach into the Austrian territories, they became part of the complex social fabric of the Habsburg Empire. During this era, many families with similar backgrounds moved across German-speaking lands to serve in administrative, military, or legal roles. The migration of the Fuerstenbergs into Austria reflects a broader pattern of movement where families sought new opportunities in the growing urban centers of Vienna and the surrounding provinces. Over time, these individuals integrated into the local culture while maintaining their distinct family identity through professional achievements and community involvement.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'or à deux fasces de gu. Cq. cour. C.: deux plumes de faisan aux armes de l'écu.”
CourlandCourland, c. 1663
Where the Fuerstenberg Arms Were Recorded
Courland
Map of France showing where the Fuerstenberg arms are recorded
The Fuerstenberg arms were recorded in Courland, c. 1663.
Courland was Baltic coast country held in large estates by a small number of families. They kept their land for generations and served as officers abroad, and both landholding and service brought arms with them.
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 France in this period.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in Austria when the Fuerstenberg arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Courland.
Origin & History of the Fuerstenberg Family in France
The history of the Fuerstenberg name is deeply connected to the movement of families across European borders during the seventeenth century. While the family established a notable presence in Courland by 1663, their roots also extended into the complex political landscape of France. During this era, many noble families sought to secure their status by serving in the French military or by participating in the diplomatic circles of the royal court. The Fuerstenbergs likely navigated these French connections to gain influence and expand their reach beyond their traditional Baltic territories. This period of migration allowed the family to integrate into different European societies while maintaining their distinct identity. By moving between the Baltic region and France, they positioned themselves as key players in the shifting power dynamics of the time.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fürst
A German term denoting a prince or a sovereign ruler.
This name
FuerstenbergRefers to a person who lived near or originated from a prince's mountain or castle.
also spelled
Furstenberk
Fuerstenberg
Furstenburg
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bader, Karl Siegfried. Der deutsche Südwesten in seiner territorialstaatlichen Entwicklung. 1950
Schmid, Alois. Die Fürstenberg: Geschichte eines schwäbischen Adelsgeschlechts. 1994
Hauptstaatsarchiv Stuttgart, Bestand A 602 (Württembergische Regierungsakten)
bordureA difference between branches of one family
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
