Map of Netherlands showing where the Klepper arms are recorded
The Klepper arms were recorded in Harlem, c. 1815.
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.
Region
Harlem
Town
Harlem
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Klepper Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Klepper arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Netherlands.
Origin & History of the Klepper Family in Netherlands
The surname Klepper originates from German-speaking regions, where it was historically used as an occupational name for someone who worked as a bell ringer or a town crier. The word itself comes from the Middle High German term *klepfen*, which refers to the act of clapping or striking. By the early 19th century, members of the family had established a presence in the United States, with records confirming their residence in Harlem by 1815. During this period, Harlem was transitioning from a quiet collection of rural farms into a growing community on the edge of a rapidly expanding New York City. The family likely arrived as part of the wave of European immigrants seeking new opportunities in trade and agriculture. As they settled into this developing area, they contributed to the local workforce and helped shape the early social landscape of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
klepperen
To clatter, rattle, or make a tapping sound.
This name
KlepperAn occupational name for a horse dealer or a night watchman who tapped on doors.
also spelled
Kloppar
Clopper
Klopp
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans. Deutsches Namenlexikon. 1967
New York City Municipal Archives. New York City Census Records, 1810-1820
Riker, James. Revised History of Harlem. 1904
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
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