A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the German family of England.
Reg. 2177 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. a cross vairé gu. and or, in the 1st and 4th quarters an eagle displ. sa”
LancasterPreston · Lancaster, c. 1620
Where the German Arms Were Recorded
Lancaster
Map of England showing where the German arms are recorded
The German arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1620.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in the records.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the German arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Lancaster.
Origin & History of the German Family in England
The surname German has deep roots that trace back to the medieval period, primarily functioning as a descriptive name for someone who originated from Germany or had strong connections to that region. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Lancaster, England, as evidenced by records dating back to 1620. During this era, surnames were often adopted to help distinguish individuals in growing communities, and the name served as a clear identifier of a person’s heritage or past travels. As these early family members settled in Lancashire, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the agricultural and trade life of the region. Over time, the name evolved through various spellings in parish registers, yet it consistently maintained its connection to its continental origins while becoming firmly rooted in English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Germanus
Latin term meaning brotherly or coming from the same stock.
This name
GermanAn ethnic name denoting a person who originated from Germany.
also spelled
Jerman
Jermain
Related arms
Jarmanvariant spelling
Jermainvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Lancashire Archives, Bishop's Transcripts of Lancaster Parish Registers, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
cross symbolChristian faith and service
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
