Map of Germany showing where the Herle arms are recorded
The Herle arms were recorded in Passau, c. 1637.
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.
Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor
1619–1637
Reigning in Germany when the Herle 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 Herle Family in Germany
The family name Herle has deep roots in the southern regions of Germany, particularly within the historic city of Passau. By the year 1637, records confirm that members of the Herle family were already established residents in this area. During the seventeenth century, Passau served as a vital center for trade and religious administration along the Danube River. Families living in this region often worked as skilled craftspeople or local administrators who helped keep the city running during a time of great political change in Europe. The name itself likely evolved from older Germanic dialects, potentially serving as a descriptive term for a person’s character or their specific role within a small village community. As these early ancestors navigated the challenges of the Thirty Years' War, their presence in official city registers highlights their role as stable, contributing members of the local society.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bordureA difference between branches of one family
duckResourcefulness on land and water
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. a fess or, betw. three shovellers ppr. Another Coat—Gu. three escallops and a border ar”
CornwallPrideaux · Cornwall, c. 1620
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 England showing where the Herle arms are recorded
The Herle arms were recorded in Cornwall, c. 1620.
Cornwall was a county apart, with its own language and its own tight-knit gentry. Tin and the sea made money there, and families who made it bought land, which is what brought arms with it.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Germany when the Herle arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Cornwall.
Origin & History of the Herle Family in England
The surname Herle has deep roots in the rugged landscape of Cornwall, where the family established a notable presence by the early seventeenth century. Historical records confirm that members of the Herle family were living in the parish of Prideaux in Luxulyan by 1620. The name itself is thought to be a variation of older occupational or locational descriptors that evolved as families settled into specific regions of southwestern England. During this period, the Herles were often associated with the landed gentry and local administration, playing an active role in the social and political life of the Cornish countryside. Their presence in the region during the reign of King James I suggests that the family had already been rooted in the area for several generations, contributing to the unique cultural identity of the Cornish people as they navigated the transition into the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hari
Proto-Germanic term for an army or a warrior host.
This name
HerleA diminutive form referring to a member of an army or a warrior.
also spelled
Herlee
Herley
Related arms
Herelvariant spelling
Hearlevariant spelling
Herilevariant spelling
Meyrrecorded with Herle, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bordureA difference between branches of one family
duckResourcefulness on land and water
