A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Funk family of Germany.
Reg. 0580 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
fireZeal and purification
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 un buisson de sin., embrasé de gu., soutenu d'une terrasse du sec. et surm. d'une étoile d'or. C.: deux branches de chène de cinq feuilles de sin., passées en saut., br. sur une plume de paon au nat., ladite plume ch. d'une étoile d'or au-dessus des branches. L. d'or et d'azur.”
Germanyc. 1836
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Map of Germany showing where the Funk arms are recorded
The Funk arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1836.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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.
Frederick William III of Prussia
Sovereign of the period
Frederick William III of Prussia
1797–1840
Reigning in Germany when the Funk arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
Prussian heraldry was strictly tied to social rank and noble status rather than being a free choice for every citizen. These symbols were treated as permanent family property that moved through the generations to all legitimate heirs. If a family branch wanted to change their design to stand out, they had to apply for official permission to alter their specific version of the shield.
Granting authority
The Prussian Heroldsamt acted as the central state office that managed and strictly controlled all noble titles and coats of arms.
How they got arms
Families usually obtained their arms through formal royal grants or by proving their long-standing noble status to the state authorities.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms were kept in the rolls of the Prussian Heroldsamt, which functioned from 1706 until 1918.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Funk Family in Germany
The surname Funk is rooted in the Middle High German word *funke*, which translates to "spark." Historically, this name was often used as a nickname for someone with a fiery personality or perhaps a person who worked with fire, such as a blacksmith. By the early 19th century, the family had established a strong presence in the region of Bavaria. During this era, life in the Bavarian countryside was centered on agriculture and local trade. Families like the Funks were typically part of the industrious middle class, contributing to the growth of rural villages through skilled labor and farming. As the name spread across German-speaking lands, it became a common identifier for families who valued their connection to their local community and their traditional trades.
Funk Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Funke
A spark or a small glowing ember of fire.
This name
FunkAn occupational name for a blacksmith or a nickname for a lively person.
also spelled
Funck
Related arms
Funckvariant spelling
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
Bayerisches Hauptstaatsarchiv, Kirchenbücher und Standesregister, 1836
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
fireZeal and purification
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
fireZeal and purification
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
