A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Herff family of Germany.
Reg. 4697 · German, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur au chev. ployé d'arg., soutenant un demi-pal du même, acc. en chef de deux fleurs-de-lis d'or et en p. d'une rose du sec. Cq. cour. C.: trois pl. d'aut., une d'or entre deux d'arg. L.: d'or et d'azur. (Cimier ancien: une fleur-de-lis d'or, entre un vol d'arg. S.: deux lions.)”
HesseHesse, c. 1814
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Map of Germany showing where the Herff arms are recorded
The Herff arms were recorded in Hesse, c. 1814.
Hesse was central German country, divided among a large number of small landowners and prosperous towns. So many separate households held ground there that the region produced an unusual number of coats of arms.
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.
Frederick William III of Prussia
Sovereign of the period
Frederick William III of Prussia
1797–1840
Reigning in Germany when the Herff 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 Hesse.
Origin & History of the Herff Family in Germany
The family name Herff originates from the historic region of Hesse in central Germany. By the early nineteenth century, records confirm that members of the family were well-established residents of this area. The name itself is likely derived from a shortened form of older Germanic given names or may relate to specific geographic landmarks near where the family first settled. During this period, the people of Hesse lived through significant political changes as the region transitioned from the Napoleonic era into a new age of German unification. Families like the Herffs were often part of the local professional or agrarian classes that helped maintain the social structure of the German states. As the family grew, they remained deeply connected to the cultural traditions and local history of the Hessian landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Harja
Proto-Germanic term referring to an army or a host of warriors.
This name
HerffDerived from a topographic or occupational reference to a soldier or army member.
also spelled
Herf
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Hessisches Staatsarchiv Marburg, Bestand 310, Kurhessisches Ministerium des Innern
Kohl, Wilhelm, Die Geschichte der deutschen Städte und Gemeinden, 1985
Lenz, Rudolf, Katalog der Leichenpredigten und sonstigen Trauerschriften im Hessischen Staatsarchiv Marburg, 1985
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
