A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Holberg family of Denmark.
Reg. 7707 · Danish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
harpWell-tuned governance and love of music
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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 d'arg. à un sapin au nat., terrassé de sin.; aux 2 et 3 d'azur à une lyre antique d'arg. surm. d'une étoile du même. Sur le tout d'azur à un mont d'arg., mouv. de la p., percé d'une caverne de sa. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° le sapin; 2° la lyre. S.: deux sphinx couchés.”
Denmarkc. 1747
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Map of Denmark showing where the Holberg arms are recorded
The Holberg arms were recorded in Denmark, c. 1747.
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.
Frederick V of Denmark
Sovereign of the period
Frederick V of Denmark
1746–1766
Reigning in Denmark when the Holberg 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 Holberg Family in Denmark
The surname Holberg is deeply rooted in the geography of the Danish island of Sjælland. During the eighteenth century, the name began to appear in official records as families settled in the rural districts near Copenhagen. The name itself is topographical in origin, likely derived from the Old Norse words for a hollow or a hill and a fortified place or mountain. By 1747, members of the Holberg family were firmly established in the region, participating in the local agricultural and parish life that defined the era. These early ancestors were part of a growing class of citizens who were increasingly identified by fixed surnames rather than patronymics, which helped to distinguish their lineage as they moved through the social structures of the Danish kingdom.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Holm and Berg
Small island or islet and mountain or hill.
This name
HolbergRefers to someone who lived near a hill located on an island or near a river islet.
also spelled
Holberger
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Knudsen, Anders. Danske efternavne: Oprindelse og udbredelse. 1998
Nielsen, Oluf. Kjøbenhavns Diplomatarium. 1872
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.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
harpWell-tuned governance and love of music
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
harpWell-tuned governance and love of music
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
