A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Himmelreich family of Austria.
Reg. 1845 · Austrian, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Coupé: au 1 d'azur à deux étoiles d'or; au 2 d'arg. à deux bandes de gu. Cq. cour. C.: un vol coupé, à dextre d'arg. sur gu., à sen. d'azur sur or. L.: à dextre d'or et de sa., à sen. d'arg. et de gu.”
Austriac. 1772
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 Austria showing where the Himmelreich arms are recorded
The Himmelreich arms were recorded in Austria, c. 1772.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Tyrol.
Tyrol was mountain country in western Austria, where the valleys were held by families who had been there a very long time. Old tenure counted for more than money, and old families carried 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.
Region
Tyrol
First recorded
1772
Granting Authority for the Himmelreich Arms
Imperial and Royal chancery
Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
1765–1790
Reigning in Austria when the Himmelreich arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Austria
Austrian coats of arms were often linked directly to noble titles granted by the Emperor. These symbols belonged to the entire family line rather than just one individual. When a family grew, new branches kept the original design without needing to change it. This system allowed all members of a noble house to share the same identity across many generations.
Granting authority
The Imperial and Royal chancery managed all heraldic matters and controlled the official granting of arms throughout the Austrian lands.
How they got arms
Families typically received their arms through a formal imperial decree that often accompanied the elevation of a person to noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Official records of these grants were kept in the Imperial Register of Nobility which began its formal documentation process in 1453.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Austria.
Origin & History of the Himmelreich Family in Austria
The surname Himmelreich is a German name that translates literally to kingdom of heaven. It likely originated as a descriptive nickname for a person who lived in a particularly beautiful or serene location, or perhaps for someone with a notably pious or peaceful personality. By the year 1772, historical records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the mountainous region of Tyrol. During this period, families in the Tyrolean Alps were often deeply connected to the land and the local parish communities. Life in this rugged landscape required great resilience, and the family name likely served as a proud identifier within these tight-knit alpine villages. As the family grew, they became part of the long history of farmers, craftsmen, and laborers who shaped the culture of the Austrian and Italian borderlands.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Himil
Old High German term referring to the sky or heavens.
This name
HimmelreichA topographical or habitational name signifying a kingdom of heaven or heavenly realm.
also spelled
Himmelrich
Himmelreych
Hymmelreich
Himmelrike
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
