A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Westermeier family of Germany.
Reg. 8237 · German, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
elephantGreat strength, wit and ambition
knightChivalry and service in arms
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 parti: a. d'or à un homme cont., hab. d'azur, coiffé d'un bonnet pointu du même, la main sen. étendue, la main dextre appuyée sur sa hanche; b. d'or à un ours naiss. de sa., coll. et bouclé d'or; au 2 coupé de gu. sur arg., à un éléphant naiss. de l'un en l'autre, la trompe levée. Cq. cour. C.: un buste d'homme, hab. d'azur, coiffé d'un bonnet du même; entre deux prob. d'azur, ornées chacune dans son embouchure de trois pl. d'aut., à dextre de sa., d'or et d'azur, à sen. d'azur et d'or et de sa.; le tout entre un vol, l'aile dextre d'arg. à trois barres de sa. et l'aile sen. d'arg. à trois bandes de gu. L.: à dextre d'or et d'azur, à sen. d'arg. et de gu.”
GermanyAugsbourg, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Westermeier arms are recorded
The Westermeier arms were recorded in Augsbourg, 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 Westermeier 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 Westermeier Family in Germany
The surname Westermeier is a classic example of a topographic name, which was common in the German-speaking regions of Europe during the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Middle High German words "wester," meaning western, and "meier," which originally referred to a steward or a manager of a farmstead. Historically, a Westermeier was likely the person who managed a farm located on the western edge of a village or a specific landholding. By the time the family was documented in Augsburg in 1765, the name had become a stable hereditary surname used to identify families who held these administrative roles in rural society. As the family settled in urban centers like Augsburg during the eighteenth century, they transitioned from agricultural management into the diverse trades and crafts that defined the city’s growing economy.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
West-Meier
Western direction and a steward or overseer of a farm.
This name
WestermeierAn individual who served as a steward or manager of a farm located in the west.
also spelled
Westermayer
Westermayr
Westermire
Westermeyer
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
Gottschald, Max, Deutsche Namenkunde: Unsere Familiennamen, 1971
Stadtarchiv Augsburg, Bürgeraufnahmegesuche und Zunftprotokolle, 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
elephantGreat strength, wit and ambition
knightChivalry and service in arms
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
elephantGreat strength, wit and ambition
knightChivalry and service in arms
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
