A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hofmeister family of Denmark.
Reg. 0336 · 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 Hofmeister arms are recorded
The Hofmeister 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 Hofmeister 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 Hofmeister Family in Denmark
The surname Hofmeister originated in German-speaking regions as a professional title rather than a family name. The word translates to "steward of the court" or "master of the household," referring to an official who managed the daily operations and staff of a noble estate or royal residence. As surnames became more common throughout Europe, individuals who held these administrative positions adopted the title as a way to identify their family lineage and social status. By 1722, members of the Hofmeister family were documented as living in the region of Sjælland in Denmark. This suggests that the family likely migrated north from German territories during a period when skilled administrators and court officials were frequently recruited to serve in the Danish royal administration. Over time, the name transitioned from a formal job description into a hereditary surname that traveled across borders and established deep roots within the local Danish community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hof + Meister
Court or farmstead plus master or overseer.
This name
HofmeisterAn occupational title for a steward, bailiff, or manager of a noble estate or farm.
also spelled
Hofmeister
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Kruken, Kristoffer and Stemshaug, Ola, Norsk Personnamnleksikon, 1995
Rigsarkivet (Danish National Archives), Kirkebøger for Sjællands Stift (Parish registers for the Diocese of Sjælland)
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
