Hertenstein Coat of Arms Record & History

A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hertenstein family lines. Documented in 2 countries.

Reg. 2098 · German, G–I

Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details

Symbols on this shield

chevronProtection, and faithful service completed

eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind

stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked

mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above

lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman

Colours

Red (Gules)Means: Military strength

Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth

Black (Sable)Means: Constancy

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)

“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 de gu. à une ramure de cerf d'arg., et une étoile d'or entre les cornes; aux 2 et 3 d'azur au chev. d'or, acc. de trois los. du même. Sur le tout d'or à l'aigle ép. de sa., ch. sur sa poitrine d'un écusson losangé en bande d'arg. et d'azur. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° un lion iss. et cont. d'or, tenant entre ses pattes une étoile du même: l. d'or et de gu.; 2° un griffon iss. d'or, tenant une bague du même; l. d'or et d'azur.”

GermanyAugsbourg, c. 1741

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Where the Hertenstein Arms Were Recorded

Augsbourg

Map of Germany showing where the Hertenstein arms are recorded

The Hertenstein arms were recorded in Augsbourg, c. 1741.

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.

Region: Augsbourg
Town: Augsbourg
First recorded: 1741

Granting Authority for the Hertenstein Arms

Authority

Imperial grant of arms

962-1806

The body that granted and recorded arms in Germany in this period.

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 Hertenstein Family in Germany

The family name Hertenstein originates from the German-speaking regions of Central Europe, where it functioned as a topographic surname. In the German language, the name combines the words for deer and stone, likely referring to a specific landmark or a rocky area frequented by wildlife where an early ancestor lived. By the mid-18th century, the family established a notable presence in the city of Augsburg. Records from 1741 confirm that members of the Hertenstein family were active participants in the social and economic life of this major trade hub. During this era, Augsburg was a center for banking and craftsmanship, and families like the Hertensteins often integrated into the local guilds or merchant classes to secure their standing. This transition from rural origins to urban prominence reflects the broader movement of families seeking stability and opportunity within the structured society of the Holy Roman Empire.

Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details

Colours

Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth

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 à deux étais alésés, accostés et entrelacés d'or, acc. en p. d'un caillou d'arg. C.: un demi-vol, aux armes de l'écu. L. d'or et d'azur.”

SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745

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Where the Hertenstein Arms Were Recorded

Bâle

Map of Switzerland showing where the Hertenstein arms are recorded

The Hertenstein arms were recorded in Bâle, c. 1745.

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.

Region: Bâle
Town: Bâle
First recorded: 1745

Granting Authority for the Hertenstein Arms

Authority

Cantonal and civic registers

14th century onwards

The body that granted and recorded arms in Switzerland in this period.

How Arms Worked in Switzerland

In Switzerland, coats of arms were not restricted to the nobility and were often adopted by common citizens and families. These symbols were passed down through generations to show family identity. When branches of a family grew, they often changed small details of the design to distinguish their own line from the original group.

Granting authority: Cantonal and civic authorities managed the use of coats of arms within their specific regions and local jurisdictions.
How they got arms: Families typically assumed their own coats of arms based on local custom rather than receiving them from a central monarch.
Where arms were recorded: Arms were recorded in various cantonal and civic registers starting from the fourteenth century throughout the Swiss region.
The family's standing: Recorded among the armigerous families of Switzerland.

Origin & History of the Hertenstein Family in Switzerland

The family name Hertenstein traces its roots to the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, where it emerged as a topographic surname derived from the words for deer and stone. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the city of Basel. Records from 1745 confirm that members of the Hertenstein family were active participants in the urban life of this bustling trade hub. During this era, Basel was a center for commerce and intellectual growth, and families like the Hertensteins often integrated into the local guild systems or merchant classes. Their migration patterns suggest they were part of a broader movement of families seeking stability and economic opportunity within the Swiss cantons. Over time, the family name became firmly associated with these regional landscapes, reflecting a history deeply connected to the development of Swiss civic life.

Documented Sources

J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87

Brechenmacher, Josef Karlmann. Etymologisches Wörterbuch der Deutschen Familiennamen. 1957

Stadtarchiv Augsburg. Bürgeraufnahme- und Zunftprotokolle. 1741

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Hertenstein Coat of Arms Record & History

Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details

Where the Hertenstein Arms Were Recorded

Granting Authority for the Hertenstein Arms

Imperial grant of arms

How Arms Worked in Germany

Origin & History of the Hertenstein Family in Germany

Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details

Where the Hertenstein Arms Were Recorded

Granting Authority for the Hertenstein Arms

Cantonal and civic registers

How Arms Worked in Switzerland

Origin & History of the Hertenstein Family in Switzerland

Documented Sources

Country/region

Hertenstein Coat of Arms Record & History

Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details

Where the Hertenstein Arms Were Recorded

Granting Authority for the Hertenstein Arms

Imperial grant of arms

How Arms Worked in Germany

Origin & History of the Hertenstein Family in Germany

Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details

Where the Hertenstein Arms Were Recorded

Granting Authority for the Hertenstein Arms

Cantonal and civic registers

How Arms Worked in Switzerland

Origin & History of the Hertenstein Family in Switzerland

Related Branches & Arms

Documented Sources