A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Poffenbarger family of Austria.
Reg. 9124 · Austrian, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'or à un griffon de sa., tenant de ses pattes un arbrisseau du même et soutenu d'un tertre d'arg.; à la champagne aussi d'or, ch. de deux bandes de sa. C.: le griffon iss., entre deux prob. bariolées de sa. et d'or, ornées chacune dans son embouchure d'une plume de paon au nat.”
AustriaVienne, c. 1772
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Map of Austria showing where the Poffenbarger arms are recorded
The Poffenbarger arms were recorded in Vienne, c. 1772.
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.
Region
Vienne
Town
Vienne
First recorded
1772
Granting Authority for the Poffenbarger Arms
Imperial and Royal chancery
Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
1765–1790
Reigning in Austria when the Poffenbarger arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Austria
Austrian coats of arms were often linked directly to noble titles granted by the Emperor. These symbols belonged to the entire family line rather than just one individual. When a family grew, new branches kept the original design without needing to change it. This system allowed all members of a noble house to share the same identity across many generations.
Granting authority
The Imperial and Royal chancery managed all heraldic matters and controlled the official granting of arms throughout the Austrian lands.
How they got arms
Families typically received their arms through a formal imperial decree that often accompanied the elevation of a person to noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Official records of these grants were kept in the Imperial Register of Nobility which began its formal documentation process in 1453.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Austria.
Origin & History of the Poffenbarger Family in Austria
The family name Poffenbarger originates from the German-speaking regions of Europe, specifically evolving from the surname Pfaffenberger. The name is topographical in nature, meaning it was originally used to describe someone who lived near a hill or a mountain associated with the clergy. Historical records confirm that members of the family were established in the region of Vienne by 1772. During this era, families with this name were often involved in agriculture or skilled trades within their local communities. As these individuals migrated, the spelling of the name underwent changes to better suit the phonetic patterns of their new homes. This transition reflects the broader movement of families across borders during the eighteenth century as they sought new opportunities and stability.
Poffenbarger Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Paffenberger
A person living near a hill owned by a priest or cleric.
This name
PoffenbargerDerived from a topographic location associated with ecclesiastical land or a mountain dwelling.
also spelled
Pfafenberger
Faffenberger
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Brechenmacher, Josef Karlmann. Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Familiennamen. 1957
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familiennamen: 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.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
