Map of Germany showing where the Lowe arms are recorded
The Lowe arms were recorded in Ulm, 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 Lowe 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 Lowe Family in Germany
The family name Lowe, often spelled Löwe in German, carries a history deeply rooted in the cultural and linguistic landscape of Central Europe. Derived from the Middle High German word for lion, the name likely began as a descriptive nickname for a person who displayed great courage or strength. By the time members of the family were documented in the city of Ulm in 1765, the name had already been established for centuries as a common surname across German-speaking territories. During this period, Ulm was a bustling center of trade and craftsmanship located along the Danube River. Families living there were often integrated into the city’s guild system, which organized workers by their specific trades and social standing. The presence of the Lowe family in this region suggests they were part of the steady migration and professional growth that defined the urban middle class of the eighteenth century. As they navigated the economic shifts of the Holy Roman Empire, these early ancestors contributed to the local community through their work and daily life in one of Germany’s most significant historical cities.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. on a bend cotised az. three lions' heads erased of the field”
StaffordStafford, c. 1592
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Map of England showing where the Lowe arms are recorded
The Lowe arms were recorded in Stafford, c. 1592.
Staffordshire was mixed country of moorland, farmland and early ironworking. Its landed families were spread widely rather than concentrated, and each holding brought its own claim to 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 England in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Germany when the Lowe arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Stafford.
Origin & History of the Lowe Family in England
The surname Lowe is rooted in the Old English word hlaw, which refers to a hill, a burial mound, or a small rising of land. In the medieval period, people often adopted names based on the landscape features near their homes, meaning the first individuals to use this name likely lived close to a prominent mound or a hillside. By the late sixteenth century, the family had established a clear presence in the county of Staffordshire. Records from 1592 confirm that members of the Lowe family were active in this region, where they were integrated into the local community and economy. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the English Midlands, living through a time of significant change in local governance and rural life. Their history reflects the broader movement of families who settled in specific English counties and built their lives around the geography and agricultural traditions of the land.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. on a bend az. three griffins' heads erased of the field, an annulet for diff”
IrelandGeorge Lowe, c. 1628
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Map of Ireland showing where the Lowe arms are recorded
The Lowe arms were recorded in George Lowe, c. 1628.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Germany when the Lowe arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Lowe Family in Ireland
The history of the Lowe family in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting political landscape of the seventeenth century. By 1628, records confirm that members of the family were already established in Dublin, a city that served as the primary hub for new settlers arriving from England. During this period, families like the Lowes often moved to Ireland to take up roles in the expanding colonial administration or to participate in the growing merchant trade. As they integrated into Irish society, they became part of a small but influential group of residents who navigated the complex social and religious tensions of the time. Over the following decades, the family expanded beyond the capital, gradually putting down roots in various counties and adapting to the unique cultural environment of their new home. Their presence in early modern Dublin highlights how families of English origin helped shape the urban development and economic life of Ireland during a time of significant transition.
Lowe Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Leo
Latin word meaning lion
This name
LoweA nickname for a brave or fierce person, or a topographic name for someone living in a house with a lion sign.
also spelled
Louw
Low
Loe
Related arms
Astleysimilar arms
Bowessimilar arms
Louwvariant spelling
Loevariant 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
Stadtarchiv Ulm, Bürgeraufnahmen und Zunftregister der Stadt Ulm, 1765
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.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
