A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Leipold family of Germany.
Reg. 4059 · German, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
knightChivalry and service in arms
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 d'azur à un homme iss., hab. de gu., tenant une hallebarde; au 2 d'arg. à deux poissons nageants au nat., l'un sur l'autre, celui en p. cont. C.: l'homme, iss. L. d'arg. et de gu.”
FranconiaFranconia, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Leipold arms are recorded
The Leipold arms were recorded in Franconia, c. 1765.
Franconia was a patchwork of small territories in central Germany, full of minor landowners and prosperous market towns. So many separate households held land there that the region produced a great many coats of arms.
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 Leipold 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 Franconia.
Origin & History of the Leipold Family in Germany
The surname Leipold is a variation of the ancient Germanic name Luitpold, which combines the elements for people and bold. This name was historically popular among the nobility and common people alike across German-speaking regions. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had established a firm presence in the Franconia region of Germany. In 1765, records show that members of the Leipold family were active participants in the local agricultural and social life of this area. During this time, Franconia was a patchwork of small territories, and families often stayed in the same villages for generations to work the land or practice skilled trades. The survival of these records suggests that the Leipolds were integrated into the community structure, contributing to the local economy and maintaining ties to the parish through births, marriages, and deaths.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Liutbald
Derived from Old High German elements meaning people and bold or brave.
This name
LeipoldA surname signifying a person who is bold or courageous among the people.
also spelled
Leipolt
Laypold
Related arms
Leypoldvariant spelling
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
Bayerisches Staatsarchiv Nürnberg, Standesbuch der Pfarrei (Parish Records), 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
knightChivalry and service in arms
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
knightChivalry and service in arms
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
