A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gretter family of Germany.
Reg. 9878 · German, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
foxWit and wisdom in defence
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 la bande d'arg., ch. d'un renard courant au nat. Cq. cour. C.: un renard arrêté au nat.”
GermanyBiberach Wurt, c. 1765
Where the Gretter Arms Were Recorded
Biberach
Map of Germany showing where the Gretter arms are recorded
The Gretter arms were recorded in Biberach Wurt, 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 Gretter 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 Gretter Family in Germany
The family name Gretter is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of southwestern Germany, particularly within the region of Swabia. By the mid-eighteenth century, records confirm that members of the family were established in the town of Biberach an der Riß. During this era, Biberach was a bustling center of trade and craftsmanship, and families like the Gretters often held roles tied to the local guild system or agricultural management. The name itself likely evolved from older Germanic naming conventions, potentially serving as a descriptive term for an individual’s personality or their specific trade within the community. As the family grew, they became integrated into the social and religious life of Biberach, leaving behind traces in local parish registers that document their births, marriages, and daily contributions to the town’s development. These early records offer a glimpse into a lineage that valued stability and community involvement during a time of significant transition in Central Europe.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gret
A short form of the Germanic name Margaret meaning pearl.
This name
GretterA topographic or occupational surname referring to someone who lived near or worked with gravel or grit.
also spelled
Gretter-Stafflang
Greter de Staflang
Gretter
Stafflang
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Stadtarchiv Biberach, Kirchenbücher der Stadtpfarrkirche St. Martin
Künast, Hans-Jörg, Biberach an der Riß: Eine Stadtgeschichte, 2004
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
foxWit and wisdom in defence
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
foxWit and wisdom in defence
