A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Klemm family of Germany.
Reg. 0698 · German, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
bullValour and generosity
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 parti: a. d'or à la demi-aigle de sa., mouv. du parti; b. d'azur à un rencontre de boeuf d'arg.; au 2 d'arg. à trois bandes d'azur. Cq. cour. C.: un lion iss. d'arg., brandissant une épée. L.: à dextre d'or et de sa., à sen. d'arg. et d'azur.”
SaxonySaxony, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Klemm arms are recorded
The Klemm arms were recorded in Saxony, c. 1765.
Saxony had mines, trade and old landed families all at once. Silver made some fortunes and land held others, and both sorts of family kept arms, which is why Saxon names appear so often in the registers.
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 Klemm 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 Saxony.
Origin & History of the Klemm Family in Germany
The surname Klemm originated in the German-speaking regions of Central Europe, where it functioned as a descriptive nickname. Etymologists believe the name stems from the Middle High German word *klemmen*, which means to pinch, squeeze, or hold tight. It likely served as a moniker for a person who was physically strong, thrifty, or perhaps someone who worked in a trade requiring a firm grip, such as a blacksmith or a metalworker. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the Electorate of Saxony. Records from 1765 confirm that members of the Klemm family were active participants in the social and economic life of this region during a time of significant agricultural and industrial transition. As the family grew, they became deeply rooted in the local communities of Saxony, contributing to the development of the area through their work and daily lives.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Klemmen
To pinch, squeeze, or fasten tightly.
This name
KlemmA nickname for a stingy or tight-fisted person, or someone who worked as a clamp maker.
also spelled
Klem-Wiedenbach
Clem-Wiedenbach
Klemm-Langendorff
Klem fon Videnbak owf Langendorf
Klemm
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
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich. 1903
Sächsisches Staatsarchiv, Kirchenbücher der Evangelisch-Lutherischen Landeskirche Sachsens
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
bullValour and generosity
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
bullValour and generosity
