A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gerl family of Germany.
Reg. 9713 · German, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur au chev. d'arg., acc. en chef de deux étoiles d'or et en p. d'une fleur-de-lis du même; le chev. ch. de deux pennons d'azur, attachés à des lances de sa., chaque pennon ch. d'un chev. d'arg. C.: deux prob. coupées, à dextre d'azur sur gu., à sen. d'arg. sur azur. L. d'arg. et d'azur.”
BavariaBavaria, c. 1600
Where the Gerl Arms Were Recorded
Bavaria
Map of Germany showing where the Gerl arms are recorded
The Gerl arms were recorded in Bavaria, c. 1600.
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.
Emperor Rudolf II
Sovereign of the period
Emperor Rudolf II
1576–1612
Reigning in Germany when the Gerl 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 Bavaria.
Origin & History of the Gerl Family in Germany
The surname Gerl originated as a shortened form of Germanic names beginning with the element "Ger," which refers to a spear. During the early 17th century, the family was well-established in the Bavarian region of southern Germany. At that time, most people lived in small rural villages and worked as farmers or skilled craftsmen. The name likely served as a way to identify individuals within these tight-knit communities as populations began to grow. Because Bavaria was a central hub for trade and travel, families like the Gerls were often influenced by the shifting political and religious landscape of the Holy Roman Empire. Over time, the spelling of the name remained relatively consistent because it was tied to the local dialect spoken in the Alpine foothills. By the year 1600, the family had already become a permanent part of the regional history, contributing to the agricultural and social development of their home province.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gerhard
Derived from the Germanic elements for spear and hardy or brave.
This name
GerlA diminutive or patronymic form originating from the personal name Gerhard.
also spelled
Gerle
Gerll
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
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
