A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Groening family of Germany.
Reg. 7368 · German, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Parti: au 1 d'arg. à cinq roses de gu., 2, 1 et 2; au 2 d'or à l'aigle de sa. Cq. cour. C.: trois pl. d'aut. d'arg., celle du milieu ch. sur la cime d'une rose de gu. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'or et de sa.”
GermanyBrème, c. 1772
Where the Groening Arms Were Recorded
Brème
Map of Germany showing where the Groening arms are recorded
The Groening arms were recorded in Brème, c. 1772.
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.
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
1765–1790
Reigning in Germany when the Groening 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 Groening Family in Germany
The surname Groening has deep roots in the northern regions of Germany, particularly within the historic city of Bremen. By the year 1772, records confirm that members of the family were already established residents of this bustling port city. The name itself is likely derived from the Middle Low German word grön, which translates to green. This suggests that the earliest ancestors may have lived near a lush meadow or a common area of green land. Over time, families often adopted these descriptive names to identify where they lived or what kind of land they farmed. As the family grew in Bremen, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the city’s long history of trade and urban development.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gron
A reference to a green or grassy location or area.
This name
GroeningA topographic name for someone who lived near a green field or pasture.
also spelled
Greening
Groning
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Staatsarchiv Bremen, Bürgerbuch der Stadt Bremen (1772)
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt (1967)
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich (1903)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
