A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Koerner family of Germany.
Reg. 4433 · German, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Tranché d'azur sur arg.; à la bande de gu., br. sur le tranché et ch. de trois boules, celle du milieu d'arg. et les deux autres d'azur; l'azur du champ ch. d'une étoile d'or. C.: un tuyau d'azur, sommé d'une boule de gu. supp. une étoile d'or; entre deux prob. d'azur et de gu., ch. chacune d'une étoile d'or. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'arg. et d'azur.”
GermanyWindsheim Bav, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Koerner arms are recorded
The Koerner arms were recorded in Windsheim 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 Koerner 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 Koerner Family in Germany
The surname Koerner is a classic occupational name that originated in the German-speaking regions of Europe. It is derived from the Middle High German word *kürner*, which refers to a person who worked as a grain merchant or a dealer in seeds. Because agriculture was the backbone of the economy in the Middle Ages, individuals who managed the distribution and trade of grain held a vital role in their local communities. By the time members of the family were documented in the town of Windsheim in 1765, the name had already been established for generations as a reflection of this traditional trade. Families with this name often settled in market towns where they could easily facilitate the transport and sale of crops. This history connects the family to the essential daily labor that sustained small towns and villages throughout the Holy Roman Empire.
Koerner Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Korn
A German word referring to grain or cereal crops.
This name
KoernerAn occupational surname for a person who worked as a grain merchant or farmer.
also spelled
Koerner
Kerner
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
Stadtarchiv Bad Windsheim, Kirchenbücher der evangelischen Kirchengemeinde Windsheim
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
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
