A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hansmann family of Germany.
Reg. 8646 · German, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 d'arg. au lion léopardé de sa., tenant une fleur-de-lis de gu.; au 2 de sa. à trois pals d'arg., ch. chacun d'une fleur-de-lis de gu. C.: un homme barbu de carn., iss., cour. d'or, ceint de lierre, tenant de sa main dextre un sceptre d'or terminé en fleur-de-lis de gu. et de sa sen. un pennon fascé de sa., d'arg., de gu., d'arg. et de sa. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de sa., à sen. d'arg. et de gu.”
GermanyBerlin, c. 1872
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Germany showing where the Hansmann arms are recorded
The Hansmann arms were recorded in Berlin, c. 1872.
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.
Wilhelm I
Sovereign of the period
Wilhelm I
1861–1888
Reigning in Germany when the Hansmann arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
Prussian heraldry was strictly tied to social rank and noble status rather than being a free choice for every citizen. These symbols were treated as permanent family property that moved through the generations to all legitimate heirs. If a family branch wanted to change their design to stand out, they had to apply for official permission to alter their specific version of the shield.
Granting authority
The Prussian Heroldsamt acted as the central state office that managed and strictly controlled all noble titles and coats of arms.
How they got arms
Families usually obtained their arms through formal royal grants or by proving their long-standing noble status to the state authorities.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms were kept in the rolls of the Prussian Heroldsamt, which functioned from 1706 until 1918.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Hansmann Family in Germany
The surname Hansmann is a classic example of a patronymic name, which means it was originally derived from the given name of a father or ancestor. In German-speaking regions, the name Hans served as a common short form for Johannes, or John. By adding the suffix "mann," which translates to "man," the name identified an individual as a follower or a son of a man named Hans. While the name existed in various forms across Germany for centuries, the presence of the Hansmann family in Berlin by 1872 reflects a period of massive urban growth. During the late 19th century, Berlin transformed into a major industrial hub, drawing many families from rural areas into the city to seek new opportunities in manufacturing and trade. This migration pattern suggests that early members of the Hansmann family were likely part of the energetic workforce that helped build the modern German capital during the era of the German Empire.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Johannes
Hebrew origin meaning God is gracious.
This name
HansmannA person who is a servant or associate of a man named Hans.
also spelled
Hansemand
Hansemans
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
Landesarchiv Berlin, Einwohnerverzeichnisse und Adressbücher von Berlin, 1872
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.