A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Vesper family of Germany.
Reg. 4845 · German, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Taillé: au 1 d'azur à quatre étoiles d'or, rangées en barre; au 2 d'arg. à un soleil se couchant derrière une montagne de trois coupeaux, le tout au nat. C.: une étoile d'or, entre un vol d'azur et d'arg.”
GermanyDinkelsbühl Bav, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Vesper arms are recorded
The Vesper arms were recorded in Dinkelsbühl Bav, 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 Vesper 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 Vesper Family in Germany
The name Vesper has deep roots in the German language, where it traditionally refers to the evening prayer or the time of sunset. In the context of family history, this name likely originated as a descriptive nickname for a person who was known for their evening devotions or perhaps someone who worked during the late hours of the day. By 1765, records confirm that the Vesper family was well-established in the historic town of Dinkelsbühl. This town, located in the heart of Bavaria, was a significant center for trade and craftsmanship during the eighteenth century. Living in a fortified town like Dinkelsbühl suggests that early members of the family were likely integrated into the local guild system or the civic life of the community. Over generations, the family name became a permanent fixture in the region, reflecting both the religious traditions and the daily rhythms of life in southern Germany.
Vesper Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Vesper
Latin term referring to the evening or the evening star.
This name
VesperA topographic or habitational name for someone living in the west or associated with evening prayers.
also spelled
Espper
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Stadtarchiv Dinkelsbühl, Bürgerbuch der Stadt Dinkelsbühl, 1765
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1972
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familien-Namen: 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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
