A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Pfeffer family of Germany.
Reg. 3445 · German, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“D'azur au chev. ployé d'or, acc. en chef de deux étoiles du même et en p. d'une rose d'arg. C.: une rose d'arg., entre un vol coupé d'azur sur or, l'azur ch. d'une étoile d'or. L.: à dextre d'arg. et d'azur, à sen. d'or et d'azur.”
GermanySpire, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Pfeffer arms are recorded
The Pfeffer arms were recorded in Spire, 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 Pfeffer 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 Pfeffer Family in Germany
The surname Pfeffer originated in German-speaking regions as a descriptive name, likely referring to a person who traded in spices or possessed a sharp, spirited personality. By the mid-18th century, the family was well-established in the city of Speyer, which served as a significant cultural and administrative hub in the Palatinate region. Records from 1765 confirm that family members were active participants in the local community during a period of recovery and transition for the city. At that time, individuals with this name were often integrated into the urban economy as merchants or skilled craftsmen. This era in Speyer was defined by a strong emphasis on trade and civic organization, providing a stable environment for families to grow and maintain their presence over several generations.
Pfeffer Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
piper
A Latin term referring to the spice plant known as pepper.
This name
PfefferAn occupational surname for a merchant who sold pepper or a spicy-tempered individual.
also spelled
Pfefer
Feffer
Related arms
Seilersimilar arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Breunig, Charles. The Age of Revolution and Reaction, 1789-1815. 1970
Stadtarchiv Speyer. Bürgeraufnahmen und Zunftprotokolle der Stadt Speyer. 1760-1770
Zorn, Wolfgang. Handels- und Industriegeschichte der Pfalz. 1976
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
