A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Minden family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6545 · German, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 deux croiss. adossés d'arg., accostés de deux étoiles (8) d'or. C.: deux étoiles d'or, l'une sur l'autre; entre deux prob., coupées alt. d'arg. et de gu. L. d'arg. et de gu.”
GermanyHambourg, c. 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Germany showing where the Minden arms are recorded
The Minden arms were recorded in Hambourg, 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 Minden 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 Minden Family in Germany
The family name Minden is a classic example of a locative surname, which means it was originally derived from a specific geographic location. The name traces its roots to the town of Minden in the Westphalia region of Germany, situated along the Weser River. In medieval times, people often adopted the name of their hometown as a way to identify themselves when they moved to new areas for trade or work. By the mid-18th century, the family had established a notable presence in the bustling port city of Hamburg. Records confirm that members of the family were living and working in Hamburg by 1765, likely drawn to the city by its status as a major center for international commerce and shipping. As the family settled into this urban environment, the name served as a link to their ancestral origins while they integrated into the social and economic life of northern Germany.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
legStrength and swiftness
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Gu. on a cross engr. or, five lozenges sa. on a chief of the second three eagles' legs erased a-la-quise of the third, on a canton erm. an anchor az”
Englandc. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Minden arms are recorded
The Minden arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Germany when the Minden 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 England.
Origin & History of the Minden Family in England
The family name Minden likely originated as a locational surname, referring to individuals who migrated to England from the historic town of Minden in the region of Westphalia, Germany. By the early 17th century, the name had established a presence in the northern English city of York. Records from 1620 indicate that family members were integrated into the local community during a period when York served as a vital hub for trade and regional administration. As these early settlers moved into the area, they were often identified by their place of origin, a common practice for families relocating across the North Sea. Over time, the name transitioned from a description of where a person came from into a permanent family identifier that was passed down through generations of residents in Yorkshire. This migration pattern reflects the broader historical trend of European families moving to England to pursue new opportunities in commerce and urban life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Minde
A word derived from Middle Low German meaning a boundary or mark.
This name
MindenA topographic name for someone who lived near a boundary marker or town.
also spelled
Mundene
Mundenn
Mundon
Mundin
Mundyn
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
Staatsarchiv Hamburg, Hamburger Kirchenbücher (Kirchenbuch der St. Nikolai Kirche), 1765
Zoder, Rudolf, Familiennamen in Ostfalen, 1968
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
legStrength and swiftness
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
