A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Könitz family of Germany.
Reg. 2238 · German, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
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)
“De gu. à la bande, acc. en chef d'une fleur-de-lis, posée en bande, et en p. de deux roses, rangées en bande, le tout d'or. Cq. cour. C.: une fleur-de-lis d'or. L. d'or et de gu.”
SaxonySaxony, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Könitz arms are recorded
The Könitz 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 Könitz 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 Könitz Family in Germany
The family name Könitz is a locative surname, which means it originated from a specific place name rather than a trade or a nickname. It is derived from the town of Könitz, located in the modern-day state of Thuringia, Germany. During the Middle Ages, it was common for individuals moving away from their home village to adopt the name of that town to identify their origins to new neighbors. By the mid-18th century, members of the family had established a firm presence in the neighboring region of Saxony. Records from 1765 confirm that the family was well-integrated into the local social fabric of the Saxon countryside during this era. This geographic shift from Thuringia into Saxony reflects the typical migration patterns of families seeking new agricultural or trade opportunities in the German states during the 1700s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Konrad
Derived from the Germanic elements for bold and counsel.
This name
KönitzA locational surname referring to individuals originating from the town of Könitz in Thuringia.
also spelled
Koenitz
Kenitz
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. 1765
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
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
