A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Kienzle family of Germany.
Reg. 3372 · German, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
knightChivalry and service in arms
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à un vieillard iss., hab. de gu., au rabat d'arg., rebr. du même, supp. de sa main dextre une chouette coupée d'arg. sur azur. C.: le vieillard iss., entre deux prob., coupées d'arg. sur gu. L. d'arg. et de gu”
GermanyNördlingen Bav, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Kienzle arms are recorded
The Kienzle arms were recorded in Nördlingen Bav, c. 1765.
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 Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Germany when the Kienzle arms are first recorded.
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 Kienzle Family in Germany
The surname Kienzle is a diminutive form of the name Konrad, which was a very popular choice in southern Germany during the Middle Ages. The suffix "le" was commonly added to names in the Swabian region to show affection or to indicate a younger person. By the time the family was documented in Nördlingen in 1765, the name had already been established for several generations as a common identifier for families living in the Swabian Jura and surrounding areas. Nördlingen was a significant free imperial city during this period, serving as a hub for trade and craftsmanship. Families like the Kienzles often worked as skilled laborers or merchants who contributed to the economic life of the city. Because the name originated as a nickname for Konrad, it likely began as a way to distinguish between different men with the same given name within a small village or town. Over time, this nickname became a permanent family surname passed down through the generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Kühn
Derived from the Middle High German word for bold or daring.
This name
KienzleA diminutive form indicating a person who is brave, bold, or courageous.
also spelled
Kynzler
Kinzeler
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
Gottschald, Max, Deutsche Namenkunde: Unsere Familiennamen nach ihrer Entstehung und Bedeutung, 1971
Stadtarchiv Nördlingen, Bürgerbuch der Stadt Nördlingen, 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
knightChivalry and service in arms
knightChivalry and service in arms
