A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ortlieb family of Germany.
Reg. 8140 · German, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“De gu. à la fasce d'arg., acc. de trois bes. du même. C.: un vol de gu., semé de bes. d'arg.”
GermanyRothenburg Bav, c. 1765
Where the Ortlieb Arms Were Recorded
Rothenburg
Map of Germany showing where the Ortlieb arms are recorded
The Ortlieb arms were recorded in Rothenburg Bav, 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 Ortlieb 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 Ortlieb Family in Germany
The surname Ortlieb is a classic example of a German compound name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is formed from the Old High German words *ort*, meaning a point or a sharp edge, and *leib*, which translates to dear or beloved. Historically, this name was often given to individuals who were considered brave or sharp-witted. By the time the family was firmly established in the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in 1765, the name had been passed down through generations of artisans and tradespeople. Life in Rothenburg during this period was defined by the strict structure of the local guilds, and families like the Ortliebs were often deeply integrated into the civic and religious life of the walled city. Because Rothenburg served as a major center for trade and regional administration, the family likely benefited from the stability of the town’s economy while contributing to its reputation as a hub for skilled craftsmanship.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ort-leib
Point or edge combined with dear, beloved, or body.
This name
OrtliebDerived from a Germanic personal name signifying a beloved person or a sharp-edged protector.
also spelled
Ortliep
Ortlyeb
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 Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Bürgerbücher der Stadt Rothenburg ob der Tauber. 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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
