A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hoffmeister family of Denmark.
Reg. 4491 · Danish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 un mur de gu. à trois créneaux, posé en barre, mouv. de la p. et du flanc sen. ledit mur non-maçonné et ch. de trois roses mal-ordonnées d'arg. l'azur ch. d'une comète d'or en bande, l'étoile coupé d'arg. sur or. Cq. cour. C.: un sapin au nat. L.: à dextre d'or et d'azur, à sen. d'arg. et de gu. D.: BESTÄNDIG I HOPPET.”
Denmarkc. 1722
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Map of Denmark showing where the Hoffmeister arms are recorded
The Hoffmeister arms were recorded in Denmark, c. 1722.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Sjaælland.
Zealand held the Danish court, the crown's offices and Copenhagen itself. Families who served the king kept estates within reach of it, and royal service was the ordinary route to a coat 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 Denmark in this period.
Frederik IV of Denmark
Sovereign of the period
Frederik IV of Denmark
1699–1730
Reigning in Denmark when the Hoffmeister arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Denmark
Danish heraldry during this period was closely tied to noble status and royal favor rather than being open to all citizens. Arms were typically granted by the monarch to individuals, and these symbols were then shared by all members of the noble house. If a family line died out, the right to use those specific arms ended with them.
Granting authority
The Danish royal chancery held the power to issue and regulate official coats of arms for the kingdom.
How they got arms
Families usually received their arms through a formal royal grant that confirmed their noble status and rights.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Danish Royal Chancery records starting in the sixteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Denmark.
Origin & History of the Hoffmeister Family in Denmark
The surname Hoffmeister is of German origin and translates literally to "master of the court" or "court steward." Historically, this title was given to individuals who held significant administrative or managerial roles within the households of nobility or royal estates. By the early 18th century, members of the family had migrated from German-speaking regions into Denmark. Records confirm that the family was well-established on the island of Zealand, or Sjælland, by 1722. During this era, families with such occupational surnames often maintained their professional titles as identifiers even after moving to new regions. The presence of the Hoffmeister name in Danish records from this time suggests that these early ancestors were likely integrated into the local administrative or land-owning structures of the Danish monarchy.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hof
A court, farmstead, or manor house.
This name
HoffmeisterA steward or manager responsible for overseeing a farmstead or manor.
also spelled
Hofmeister
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Danish National Archives (Rigsarkivet), Sjællands Stifts øvrighedsarkiver
Danish National Archives (Rigsarkivet), Kirkebøger for Sjællands Stift
Nielsen, O., Kjøbenhavns Diplomatarium, 1872
Heise, A., Danske Navne, 1894
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
