A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Muchow family of Germany.
Reg. 5445 · German, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Tranché, au moyen d'un crancelin d'arg.: au 1 d'azur à trois étoiles d'arg.; au 2 d'or à un ours de sa., cour., coll. et bouclé d'or, pass. sur les créneaux d'un mur de gu., posé en bande, mouv. du bord de l'écu.”
GermanyAnhalt-Cöthen, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Muchow arms are recorded
The Muchow arms were recorded in Anhalt-Cöthen, 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 Muchow 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 Muchow Family in Germany
The surname Muchow is primarily rooted in the historical regions of northern Germany, where it likely developed as a locational name derived from various settlements bearing similar names. By the mid-18th century, the family was firmly established in the principality of Anhalt-Cöthen, a territory known for its strong agricultural traditions and centralized administration. Families living in this region during the 1760s often worked as skilled tradespeople or tenant farmers who contributed to the local economy under the rule of the House of Ascania. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the German states, moving through small villages and towns while maintaining their identity through their distinct surname. This period was marked by significant record-keeping in local parish registers, which helped preserve the family’s presence in the region for future generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Much
A Slavic diminutive suffix or a nickname derived from the word fly.
This name
MuchowA locative surname referring to someone from the town of Muchow in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
also spelled
Mecho
Mekow
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Kohl, Wilhelm. Anhaltische Geschichte. 1993
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
