A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Greener family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 4467 · German, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
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)
“De gu. à un croiss. tourné d'or. C.: un demi-vol, aux armes de l'écu.”
GermanyNuremberg, c. 1765
Where the Greener Arms Were Recorded
Nuremberg
Map of Germany showing where the Greener arms are recorded
The Greener arms were recorded in Nuremberg, c. 1765.
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.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Germany when the Greener 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 Germany.
Origin & History of the Greener Family in Germany
The name Greener is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of Germany, where it likely originated as a descriptive term for people who lived near a lush green space or worked as foresters. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Nuremberg. During this era, Nuremberg served as a major hub for trade and craftsmanship, attracting skilled workers from across the region. Records confirm that members of the Greener family were active in this vibrant urban environment by 1765. As residents of such a prominent city, these early family members were likely integrated into the professional guilds that defined the social and economic life of the time. Their presence in Nuremberg suggests a history tied to the growth of German commerce and the steady development of middle-class life in the heart of Bavaria.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Taillé de gu. sur arg.; à une rose de l'un en l'autre, tigée et feuillée de sin., soutenue d'un tertre du même, et acc. au canton dextre du chef d'une étoile d'arg. et au flanc sen. d'une autre étoile de gu. C.: une femme iss., hab. d'un parti d'arg. et de gu., tenant de sa main dextre une rose de gu. et de sa sen. une rose d'arg., chaque rose tigée et feuillée de sin.”
SwitzerlandBerne, c. 1745
Where the Greener Arms Were Recorded
Berne
Map of Switzerland showing where the Greener arms are recorded
The Greener arms were recorded in Berne, c. 1745.
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 Switzerland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Switzerland
In Switzerland, coats of arms were not restricted to the nobility and were often adopted by common citizens and families. These symbols were passed down through generations to show family identity. When branches of a family grew, they often changed small details of the design to distinguish their own line from the original group.
Granting authority
Cantonal and civic authorities managed the use of coats of arms within their specific regions and local jurisdictions.
How they got arms
Families typically assumed their own coats of arms based on local custom rather than receiving them from a central monarch.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in various cantonal and civic registers starting from the fourteenth century throughout the Swiss region.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Switzerland.
Origin & History of the Greener Family in Switzerland
The surname Greener finds its roots in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, where families bearing this name were well-established in the city of Berne by 1745. During this period, the name was closely tied to the social and economic fabric of the Swiss cantons, often reflecting the agrarian or professional roles of its early members. In the mid-18th century, Berne served as a powerful hub of trade and administration, and families like the Greeners were part of a growing class of citizens who contributed to the city's stability. Records from this era suggest that the family was integrated into the local community, participating in the civic life that defined the Swiss Confederation at the time. By settling in such a prominent urban center, these early ancestors helped shape the legacy of the name, transitioning from local roots into the broader history of the region.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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 fasce de gu., ch. d'une couronne du champ et acc. de trois trèfles de sin. C.: un lion iss. d'or.”
Denmarkc. 1693
Where the Greener Arms Were Recorded
Sjaælland
Map of Denmark showing where the Greener arms are recorded
The Greener arms were recorded in Denmark, c. 1693.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Sjaælland.
Zealand held the Danish court, the crown's offices and Copenhagen itself. Families who served the king kept estates within reach of it, and royal service was the ordinary route to a coat of arms.
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 Denmark in this period.
Christian V of Denmark
Sovereign of the period
Christian V of Denmark
1670–1699
Reigning in Germany when the Greener arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Denmark
Danish heraldry during this period was closely tied to noble status and royal favor rather than being open to all citizens. Arms were typically granted by the monarch to individuals, and these symbols were then shared by all members of the noble house. If a family line died out, the right to use those specific arms ended with them.
Granting authority
The Danish royal chancery held the power to issue and regulate official coats of arms for the kingdom.
How they got arms
Families usually received their arms through a formal royal grant that confirmed their noble status and rights.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Danish Royal Chancery records starting in the sixteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Denmark.
Origin & History of the Greener Family in Denmark
The history of the Greener family in Denmark begins with documented records from the island of Sjælland in 1693. During this period, the name was closely tied to the rural landscapes and agricultural traditions of the region. Families with this name often lived in small, tight-knit farming communities where life revolved around the changing seasons and local parish activities. Because the name appears in parish registers during the late seventeenth century, it suggests that the family was well-established within the local social structure of Sjælland. Over time, these early ancestors contributed to the development of their local villages through their work in the fields and their participation in the community. Their presence in the historical record provides a clear link to the everyday lives of Danish citizens who helped shape the cultural identity of the island centuries ago.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Grün
The German word for the color green or verdant.
This name
GreenerAn occupational name for a gardener, a dweller near a green, or someone who wore green clothing.
also spelled
Greener
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Stadtarchiv Nürnberg, Bürgerbücher der Stadt Nürnberg, 1765
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
