A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Witmer family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 9852 · German, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Parti: au 1 d'arg. à deux chev. de gu.; au 2 d'arg. à trois bandes d'azur, au lion de gu., br. sur les bandes. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° un vol d'arg., chaque aile ch. d'un chev. de gu.; 1. d'arg. et de gu.; 2° le lion, iss., entre deux prob. coupées alt. d'arg. et d'azur; 1. d'arg. et d'azur. S.: deux tigres au nat.”
BavariaBavaria, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Witmer arms are recorded
The Witmer arms were recorded in Bavaria, c. 1765.
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 Germany when the Witmer 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 Bavaria.
Origin & History of the Witmer Family in Germany
The surname Witmer originates from the Germanic regions of Central Europe, specifically rooted in the linguistic traditions of the Middle Ages. The name is generally categorized as a topographic or occupational surname, likely derived from the Middle High German word "witmere," which refers to a person who lived near a specific type of meadow or managed church-owned land known as a "Widum." By the mid-18th century, the family had established a notable presence in the Bavarian region. Records from 1765 confirm that the Witmer family was integrated into the local social fabric of Bavaria, where they participated in the agricultural and community life typical of that era. During this period, the family name was subject to various spellings due to regional dialects and the transition toward standardized record-keeping in German parish registers. These early ancestors were part of a stable population that helped shape the rural landscape of Southern Germany before many families began their migrations to other parts of the world.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“De sa. à une demi-ramuze de cerf en pal, accostée en haut de deux étoiles, et en bas de deux bes. et acc. d'un troisième bes. en p., le tout d'or. C.: la demi-ramure, entre un vol coupé alt. d'or et de sa.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Switzerland showing where the Witmer arms are recorded
The Witmer arms were recorded in Bâle, c. 1745.
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 Switzerland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Switzerland
In Switzerland, coats of arms were not restricted to the nobility and were often adopted by common citizens and families. These symbols were passed down through generations to show family identity. When branches of a family grew, they often changed small details of the design to distinguish their own line from the original group.
Granting authority
Cantonal and civic authorities managed the use of coats of arms within their specific regions and local jurisdictions.
How they got arms
Families typically assumed their own coats of arms based on local custom rather than receiving them from a central monarch.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in various cantonal and civic registers starting from the fourteenth century throughout the Swiss region.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Switzerland.
Origin & History of the Witmer Family in Switzerland
The surname Witmer originates from the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, where it likely functioned as a descriptive name for a person who worked as a wheat merchant or a farmer. The name is rooted in the Middle High German word "wite," which refers to wheat, combined with a suffix denoting a person or occupation. By the mid-18th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Bâle. Records confirm that members of the Witmer family were active residents in this region by 1745, participating in the local urban economy during a time when Bâle was a major center for trade and craftsmanship. These early ancestors were likely part of the skilled middle class that helped define the social and economic structure of the Swiss cantons before many families began their migration toward North America in search of new opportunities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Widamar
Derived from the Germanic elements witu meaning wood and mari meaning famous.
This name
WitmerAn occupational or habitational name referring to a person who lived near a forest or worked with wood.
also spelled
Widmar
Widmerr
Widmere
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
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
