A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Spatz family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2044 · German, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Coupé : au 1 d'or à un oiseau d'arg.; au 2 d'azur à une étoile d'or. C.: deux prob., coupées alt. de sa. et d'or.”
GermanyNuremberg, c. 1765
Where the Spatz Arms Were Recorded
Nuremberg
Map of Germany showing where the Spatz arms are recorded
The Spatz arms were recorded in Nuremberg, 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 Spatz 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 Spatz Family in Germany
The surname Spatz originated in the German-speaking regions as a descriptive nickname, likely derived from the Middle High German word "spatz," which translates to sparrow. In medieval German naming customs, such names were often given to individuals who were perceived to have a lively or energetic personality, or perhaps to someone who was small in stature. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the imperial city of Nuremberg. During this era, Nuremberg served as a major hub for trade and craftsmanship, and families like the Spatz line were often integrated into the city’s active merchant or artisan classes. The name reflects a long history of German naming traditions that turned common observations of the natural world into permanent family identifiers that have persisted for centuries.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Coupé : au 1 parti de sa. et d'or, à un cerf naiss. au nat., br. sur le parti, mouv. du coupé; au 2 parti d'or et de sa., à un faucon au nat., br. sur le parti et posé sur un tertre de l'un en l'autre. C.: le cerf iss.; entre deux prob., coupées alt. d'or et de sa.”
AustriaVienne, c. 1772
Where the Spatz Arms Were Recorded
Vienne
Map of Austria showing where the Spatz arms are recorded
The Spatz 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 Spatz 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 Germany when the Spatz 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 Spatz Family in Austria
The surname Spatz has deep roots in the German-speaking world, where it originated as a descriptive nickname derived from the Middle High German word for a sparrow. By the time the family was firmly established in Vienna in 1772, the name had already become a recognized fixture within the urban landscape of the Austrian Empire. During this period, Vienna was a bustling center of trade and culture, and families like the Spatz line often integrated into the city’s growing middle class. Because the name was linked to a common bird, it likely began as a way to identify someone with a lively personality or a small, energetic stature. As the family settled into the social fabric of 18th-century Vienna, they contributed to the city's development during a time of significant administrative and architectural change. Their presence in official city records from that era highlights their transition from rural origins to becoming part of the permanent population of one of Europe’s most influential capital cities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Spatz
Middle High German word for a sparrow.
This name
SpatzA nickname for a small, lively person or someone with a chirpy personality.
also spelled
Spatze
Spatzz
Spats
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
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich. 1903
Stadtarchiv Nürnberg (Nuremberg City Archives), Bürgerbücher der Stadt Nürnberg (Citizenship records of the city of Nuremberg), 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
