A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gnann family of Russia.
Reg. 3628 · Russian, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
batonAuthority and office held under the crown
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Taillé d'azur sur gu.; à une barre de sin., br. sur le taillé et ch. d'un caducée d'or, posé dans le sens de la barre; l'azur ch. d'une couronne impériale de Russie, au nat., mouv. de la barre; le gu. ch. d'un coq hardi et cont. de sa., posé sur une terrasse de sin. C.: trois pl. d'aut. d'arg. L.: à dextre de sin. et d'azur, à sen. de gu. et d'azur.”
Russiac. 1784
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Map of Russia showing where the Gnann arms are recorded
The Gnann arms were recorded in Russia, c. 1784.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Moscow.
Moscow held the Russian court, and rank there came from service rather than land. Families who served the Tsar were entered in the registers of nobility, and that entry is where their arms are recorded.
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 Russia in this period.
Catherine II of Russia
Sovereign of the period
Catherine II of Russia
1762–1796
Reigning in Russia when the Gnann arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Russia
Russian heraldry was strictly tied to the nobility and the state service system. Families proved their ancient status or earned new rank to receive an official grant from the Tsar. These symbols were then inherited by all legitimate children of the noble line. If a family lacked proof of their status, they were often excluded from the official records entirely.
Granting authority
The Herald Master's Office acted as the central state body that strictly regulated and verified all noble heraldic symbols.
How they got arms
Families typically received their arms through a formal state grant or by proving their noble status to the government authorities.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms were officially recorded in the General Armorial of the Noble Families of the Russian Empire starting in 1797.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Russia.
Origin & History of the Gnann Family in Russia
The Gnann family name has roots that trace back to the German-speaking regions of Europe before members of the family migrated eastward. By 1784, historical records confirm that the family had established a presence in Moscow. During this period, Russia was actively encouraging skilled immigrants from German lands to settle in its major cities to help modernize trade, crafts, and administration. The Gnann family likely moved during this era of expansion to take advantage of new professional opportunities in the Russian capital. Over time, these early settlers integrated into the local society while maintaining their distinct family identity. Their transition from Central Europe to Moscow highlights the movement of families across borders in search of stability and growth during the late eighteenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gnan
A Middle High German term referring to a grumbling or complaining person.
This name
GnannA descriptive nickname for an individual known for being cantankerous or prone to complaining.
also spelled
Ganne
Ganneh
Gan
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Erik Amburger, Die Mitglieder der Deutschen Botschaftsgemeinde in Moskau 1817–1917, 1968
Russian State Historical Archive (RGIA), Fond 1343: Delo o dvoryanstve roda Gnann
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
batonAuthority and office held under the crown
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
batonAuthority and office held under the crown
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
