Map of Germany showing where the Heel arms are recorded
The Heel arms were recorded in Augsbourg, 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 Heel 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 Heel Family in Germany
The family name Heel is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of southern Germany, with documented evidence placing members of the family in the city of Augsburg by 1765. During the eighteenth century, Augsburg was a major center for trade and craftsmanship, which likely influenced the lives and occupations of early family members. The name itself is thought to be a topographical or occupational surname, often linked to individuals who lived near specific landmarks or worked in trades that required precision. As the family established themselves in the region, they became part of the vibrant social and economic fabric of the city. Their presence in local records from this era suggests they were integrated into the community life of the time, contributing to the growth and development of the area through their daily work and civic participation.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Helle
Derived from the Middle High German word for bright or clear.
This name
HeelA topographic name for someone who lived on a bright or sunny slope.
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Stadtarchiv Augsburg, Bürgerbuch der Stadt Augsburg
Gottlieb von Leon, Augsburgs Geschichte und Denkwürdigkeiten, 1818
Bayerisches Staatsarchiv, Reichsstädtische Akten der Stadt Augsburg
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
legStrength and swiftness
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
legStrength and swiftness
