A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Stephany family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 9676 · Belgian, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 de sa. au lion naiss. d'or, lamp. de gu., mouv. du coupé; au 2 d'arg. à trois fleurs-de-lis d'azur. C.: le lion iss.”
LiegeLiege, c. 1737
Where the Stephany Arms Were Recorded
Liege
Map of Belgium showing where the Stephany arms are recorded
The Stephany arms were recorded in Liege, c. 1737.
Liege was a prosperous town and its surrounding country, living on metalworking and trade. Merchant families grew rich, bought land outside the walls, and took arms as landowners rather than tradesmen.
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 Belgium in this period.
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
1711–1740
Reigning in Belgium when the Stephany arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Belgium
In Belgium, a coat of arms is considered personal property that is passed down through the male line to legitimate descendants. Families often use the same shield design across generations to show their shared heritage. If a branch of the family wants to change the design, they must apply for an official update to their specific version of the arms.
Granting authority
The Conseil héraldique is the official body that regulates and approves all coats of arms in Belgium.
How they got arms
Families obtain their coats of arms through formal royal grants or by confirming their historical right to use existing designs.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms are officially recorded in the public registers of the Conseil héraldique since 1844.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Liege.
Origin & History of the Stephany Family in Belgium
The family name Stephany has deep roots in the region of Liège, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1737. During this period, Liège was a prominent center for industry and trade within the Prince-Bishopric of Liège. Families living in this area were often involved in the thriving metalworking and coal mining sectors that defined the local economy. As the name Stephany is derived from the Greek name Stephanos, it likely entered the region through long-standing religious and cultural ties to the church. By the mid-18th century, the family was part of a growing urban population that navigated the complex political shifts between the local prince-bishops and neighboring powers. Their presence in the city suggests they were integrated into the social fabric of a region known for its independent spirit and strong craft traditions.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Purple (Purpure)Means: Royal majesty
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'azur à une tour d'arg., maçonnée de sa., ouv. du champ; aux 2 et 3 de pourpre à un arbre arr. de sin. L'écu bordé d'or. C.: un lion iss. d'arg., supp. de ses pattes la tour de l'écu; entre un vol de sa. L.: à dextre d'or et de pourpre, à sen. d'arg. et d'azur.”
Germanyc. 1765
Where the Stephany Arms Were Recorded
Bavaria
Map of Germany showing where the Stephany arms are recorded
The Stephany arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1765.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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 Belgium when the Stephany 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 Stephany Family in Germany
The family name Stephany finds its roots in the ancient Greek name Stephanos, which means crown or garland. As the name spread into German-speaking lands, it evolved into various forms to reflect local dialects and naming customs. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the region of Bavaria. Records from 1765 confirm that members of the family were active participants in the social and economic life of this southern German territory. During this era, Bavaria was a center of agricultural development and craftsmanship, and families like the Stephanys often played vital roles in their local village communities. They lived through a time of significant transition as the region moved toward the modern era, and their presence in historical documents from this period highlights their long-standing connection to the Bavarian landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Stephanos
Greek word meaning crown, garland, or wreath.
This name
StephanyDerived from the Greek term for one who is crowned or victorious.
also spelled
Stephani
Stephannie
Stephaney
Stefani
Stephanie
Related arms
Stephanivariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives de l'État à Liège, Registres paroissiaux de la ville de Liège, 1737
Kupper, Jean-Louis, Liège et l'Église impériale, 1981
Pirenne, Henri, Histoire de Belgique, 1902
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
