A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Woessner family of France.
Reg. 4849 · French, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cherubDivine protection over the innocent
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à un ange iss. de carn., hab. d'arg., ailé d'or, au baudrier de gu., mouv. d'un tertre d'or et tenant de sa main dextre une rose de gu., tigée et feuillée de sin. C.: l'ange, iss. L. d'or et d'azur.”
FranceStrasbourg, c. 1663
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Map of France showing where the Woessner arms are recorded
The Woessner arms were recorded in Strasbourg, c. 1663.
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 France in this period.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Woessner arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Woessner Family in France
The surname Woessner originates from the German-speaking regions of Europe, specifically within the historical territories of the Upper Rhine. The name is classified as a topographic surname, which means it was likely derived from a person’s residence near a specific geographic feature or a particular settlement. By the mid-17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Strasbourg. Records from 1663 confirm that members of the Woessner family were active participants in the social and economic life of this bustling border city. During this period, Strasbourg served as a vital crossroads for trade and culture between France and the German states. Families like the Woessners often worked as skilled tradespeople or merchants, contributing to the growth of the city during a time of significant political transition. Their documented presence in the region highlights a long-standing history of residency in the Alsace area, where the family name became firmly rooted in the local community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wessener
A person originating from the town of Wessen in Germany.
This name
WoessnerA topographic or habitational surname denoting someone who lived near a meadow or pasture.
also spelled
Wessner
Wezner
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives: Archives de la Ville et de l'Eurométropole de Strasbourg, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
Book: Heitz, Robert, Strasbourg, ville libre et royale, 1970
Book: Pfister, Christian, Histoire de Nancy, 1902
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
cherubDivine protection over the innocent
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cherubDivine protection over the innocent
