A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Koontz family of Germany.
Reg. 9691 · 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 Koontz arms are recorded
The Koontz 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 Koontz 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 Koontz Family in Germany
The surname Koontz is an anglicized variation of the German name Kunz, which originated as a shortened form of the name Konrad. In the mid-18th century, families bearing this name were well-established in the region of Saxony. During this period, the name was often associated with individuals who worked as farmers, craftsmen, or tradespeople within the local village structures. As the population grew and economic conditions shifted, many members of these families began to look toward the American colonies for new opportunities. By the time of the 1765 records, the family had already developed a strong cultural identity rooted in the traditions and linguistic patterns of the Saxon region. This migration pattern eventually led to the name being adapted into its modern spelling as the families integrated into new communities across the Atlantic.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Konrad
Derived from Germanic elements meaning bold or wise counsel.
This name
KoontzA diminutive or patronymic form referring to a descendant of someone named Konrad.
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
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
