A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Wilke family of Germany.
Reg. 1123 · German, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Parti d'or et d'azur; l'azur ch. d'un croiss figuré tourné d'arg., tenant dans sa bouche trois tiges feuillées de sin. en fasces, fleuries chacune d'une rose de gu. sur l'or, chaque rose bout. d'or, lesdites roses rangées en pal, l'une sur l'autre. Brl. d'or, de gu., d'arg. et d'azur. C.: trois roses de gu., bout. d'or, tigées et feuillées de sin.; entre un vol coupé, à dextre de gu. sur or, à sen. d'azur sur arg. L. conformes aux émaux du vol.”
SaxonySaxony, c. 1755
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Map of Germany showing where the Wilke arms are recorded
The Wilke arms were recorded in Saxony, c. 1755.
Saxony had mines, trade and old landed families all at once. Silver made some fortunes and land held others, and both sorts of family kept arms, which is why Saxon names appear so often 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 Germany when the Wilke 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 Saxony.
Origin & History of the Wilke Family in Germany
The surname Wilke originated as a diminutive form of the Germanic name Wilhelm, which translates to a protector with a strong will. During the Middle Ages, it became common for people to shorten long names to create affectionate nicknames, and Wilke emerged as a popular choice in Northern Germany. By the mid-18th century, the family was well-established in the region of Saxony. At that time, Saxony was a hub of agricultural and industrial growth, and families like the Wilkes were often deeply connected to the local village life and the Lutheran church. Because record-keeping in Saxon parishes became more organized during the 1700s, historians can trace these early ancestors through baptismal and marriage registers that document their daily lives within these tight-knit communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wilhelm
Derived from Germanic elements meaning will or desire and helmet or protection.
This name
WilkeA diminutive form of the name William, signifying a resolute protector or determined guardian.
also spelled
Wylke
Wilka
Wilk
Related arms
Wilckevariant spelling
Wilkvariant spelling
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
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
Sächsisches Staatsarchiv, Kirchenbücher der Evangelisch-Lutherischen Landeskirche Sachsens, 1755
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
