Map of Austria showing where the Raber arms are recorded
The Raber arms were recorded in Austria, c. 1661.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Tyrol.
Tyrol was mountain country in western Austria, where the valleys were held by families who had been there a very long time. Old tenure counted for more than money, and old families carried arms.
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
Tyrol
First recorded
1661
Granting Authority for the Raber Arms
Imperial and Royal chancery
Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.
Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor
1658–1705
Reigning in Austria when the Raber 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 Raber Family in Austria
The surname Raber is deeply rooted in the Alpine regions of Central Europe, with documented evidence placing the family in the Tyrol area as early as 1661. The name likely originated as a descriptive term or a nickname based on the German word "Rabe," which means raven. In medieval times, such names were often given to individuals who possessed dark hair or a sharp, observant personality. As the family established themselves in the rugged landscape of Tyrol, they were likely involved in the traditional trades of the region, such as mountain farming, forestry, or local craftsmanship. Over the centuries, the Raber family became integrated into the social and economic fabric of these mountain communities, moving through the valleys and eventually spreading across neighboring German-speaking territories. Their history reflects the resilience of people living in high-altitude environments, where family ties and local community connections were essential for survival and growth.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Rabe
A German word meaning raven or crow.
This name
RaberAn occupational or descriptive name for someone resembling a raven or a raven-keeper.
also spelled
Ruberr
Rubere
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
Kranzmayer, Eberhard, Ortsnamenbuch von Kärnten, 1956
Tiroler Landesarchiv, Tiroler Steuerkataster 1661
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
