A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Heiss family of Germany.
Reg. 9142 · 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
knightChivalry and service in arms
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à trois pals de gu.; à la fasce d'or, br. sur le tout; aux 2 et 3 d'arg. à un homme, posé de face, hab. de gu., rebr. d'azur, au rabat d'arg., les chausses de gu., tenant de sa main dextre un flambeau allumé, la sen. appuyée contre sa poitrine. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° un vol cont. aux armes du 1; 2° l'homme du 2, iss. L.: d'arg. et de gu.”
Germanyc. 1749
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Map of Germany showing where the Heiss arms are recorded
The Heiss arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1749.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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 Heiss 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 Heiss Family in Germany
The surname Heiss originated in the southern German regions, particularly within the historic borders of Bavaria. Linguists believe the name evolved as a descriptive nickname, likely derived from the Middle High German word "heiz," which translates to "hot" or "ardent." In medieval society, such names were often given to individuals who possessed a fiery temperament, a passionate personality, or perhaps a very energetic way of working. By the time records confirm the family's presence in Bavaria in 1749, the name had become a well-established identifier for families living in rural alpine communities. These early ancestors were typically involved in agriculture or skilled trades, living in close-knit villages where the name helped distinguish them from neighbors in the local parish registers. Over generations, the name remained concentrated in this region, reflecting the deep roots and steady traditions of families who lived and worked in the Bavarian landscape for centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Heizo
An ancient Germanic short form derived from names containing the element haim.
This name
HeissA topographic name for someone living near a hot spring or a nickname for a hot-tempered person.
also spelled
Heiss
Heiss von Heissenbuhel
Heiss-Heissenbuhel
Hys auf Hysenbuhel
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
Kohlheim, Rosa and Volker Kohlheim, Duden Familiennamen: Herkunft und Bedeutung von 20.000 Nachnamen, 2005
Bayerisches Hauptstaatsarchiv, Kirchenbücher der bayerischen Pfarreien, 1749
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
knightChivalry and service in arms
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
knightChivalry and service in arms
