A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Starosta family of Germany.
Reg. 9816 · German, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Coupé: au 1 d'or à un étourneau de sa., posé sur une terrasse de sin.; au 2 parti de gu. et d'arg., à deux roses de l'un à l'autre, boutonnées d'azur. Brl. de gu. et d'arg. C.: un vol coupé, à dextre de gu. sur arg., à sen. d'or sur gu. L.: à dextre d'or et de gu., à sen. d'arg. et de gu.”
GermanyZittau Saxe, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Starosta arms are recorded
The Starosta arms were recorded in Zittau Saxe, 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 Starosta 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 Starosta Family in Germany
The name Starosta originates from a Slavic title that historically referred to a local official, elder, or administrator. In many regions of Central and Eastern Europe, a starosta served as a village leader or a representative of the crown who managed legal and administrative duties for the community. By the time members of the family were documented in Zittau in 1765, the name had transitioned from a formal job title into a hereditary surname. Living in a trade hub like Zittau suggests that these early ancestors were likely integrated into the urban economy of the region. Over generations, the family name became a way to preserve a connection to this historical role of leadership and community service.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Starosta
Slavic term for an elder or head of a community.
This name
StarostaAn occupational surname for a village elder, magistrate, or administrative official.
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Brückner, Aleksander. Słownik etymologiczny języka polskiego. 1927
Słownik języka polskiego. Starosta. 1958
Sächsisches Staatsarchiv. Kirchenbücher der Stadt Zittau. 1765
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
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
