A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Waldschmidt family of Germany.
Reg. 9063 · German, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
handFaith, sincerity and justice
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
knightChivalry and service in arms
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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'arg. à trois enclumes au nat.; au 2 coupé: a. d'arg. à un griffon naiss. de gu., mouv. du coupé; b. échiq. d'arg. et de gu.; au 3 coupé: a. d'arg. à un sauvage iss. de carn., ceint et cour. de lierre, posé de front, mouv. du coupé, la main dextre appuyée sur une massue, la sen. sur sa hanche; b. échiq. d'arg. et de gu. Sur le tout d'azur à la barre ondée d'or, acc. en chef d'une étoile du même et en p. d'une main sen. appaumée de carn. Deux cq. cour C.: 1° un griffon iss. et cont. de gu., cour. d'or; 2° le sauvage du 3. iss. L. d'arg. et de sa.”
HesseHesse, c. 1741
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Map of Germany showing where the Waldschmidt arms are recorded
The Waldschmidt arms were recorded in Hesse, c. 1741.
Hesse was central German country, divided among a large number of small landowners and prosperous towns. So many separate households held ground there that the region produced an unusual number of coats of 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.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Germany in this period.
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 Hesse.
Origin & History of the Waldschmidt Family in Germany
The surname Waldschmidt is a classic German occupational name that reveals much about the lives of its earliest bearers. The name is a combination of the words Wald, meaning forest, and Schmidt, meaning smith. This suggests that the original ancestors were likely blacksmiths who lived and worked near or within the dense woodlands of central Germany. By the year 1741, records confirm that members of the family were established in the region of Hesse. During this period, a forest smith played a vital role in rural society by crafting essential iron tools for logging, agriculture, and local construction. Living in the wooded areas of Hesse, these families were deeply connected to the natural landscape that defined their trade and provided the raw materials for their work. Over generations, the name evolved from a simple job description into a permanent family identifier that linked the household to their specific craft and their home in the German forests.
Waldschmidt Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Wald and Schmidt
Forest and smith or metalworker.
This name
WaldschmidtA person who worked as a blacksmith or metalworker located near or within a forest.
also spelled
Waldschmit
Waldshmit
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
Heßisches Staatsarchiv Marburg. Kirchenbücher der evangelischen Kirchengemeinden in Hessen. 1741
Gottschald, Max. Deutsche Namenkunde: Unsere Familiennamen. 1971
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
handFaith, sincerity and justice
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
knightChivalry and service in arms
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
handFaith, sincerity and justice
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
knightChivalry and service in arms
