A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Olberding family of Germany.
Reg. 1652 · German, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
leafHappiness and abundance
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à cinq feuilles de chêne de sin., posées en bandes, les tiges en bas, 2, 1 et 2. Cq. cour. C.: un ours ramp. de sa., cour. d'or, tenant une épée d'arg., garnie d'or.”
Germanyc. 1829
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Map of Germany showing where the Olberding arms are recorded
The Olberding arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1829.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit 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.
Frederick William III of Prussia
Sovereign of the period
Frederick William III of Prussia
1797–1840
Reigning in Germany when the Olberding arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
Prussian heraldry was strictly tied to social rank and noble status rather than being a free choice for every citizen. These symbols were treated as permanent family property that moved through the generations to all legitimate heirs. If a family branch wanted to change their design to stand out, they had to apply for official permission to alter their specific version of the shield.
Granting authority
The Prussian Heroldsamt acted as the central state office that managed and strictly controlled all noble titles and coats of arms.
How they got arms
Families usually obtained their arms through formal royal grants or by proving their long-standing noble status to the state authorities.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms were kept in the rolls of the Prussian Heroldsamt, which functioned from 1706 until 1918.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Olberding Family in Germany
The surname Olberding finds its historical roots in the northwestern regions of Germany, specifically within the area of Oldenburg. The name is likely topographic or patronymic in origin, often evolving from local dialects to describe families living near specific landmarks or settlements. By the early 19th century, members of the family had migrated southward into the Kingdom of Bavaria. This movement was part of a larger trend of internal German migration as families sought new agricultural opportunities or trade prospects in the southern states. Records from 1829 confirm that the Olberding name was firmly established in Bavarian society by this time, where the family integrated into the local economy and community life. Their presence in these official documents shows that they were recognized citizens who contributed to the development of their new home during a period of significant social and political change in Europe.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Adalbert
Derived from Germanic elements meaning noble and bright or famous.
This name
OlberdingA patronymic form indicating a descendant of someone named Adalbert.
also spelled
Ohlberg
Olberk
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
Bayerisches Hauptstaatsarchiv, Königlich Bayerisches Staatsministerium des Innern, Meldeunterlagen, 1829
Gottschald, Max, Deutsche Namenkunde: Unsere Familiennamen, 1971
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
leafHappiness and abundance
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
leafHappiness and abundance
