A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Zacharias family of Germany.
Reg. 0441 · German
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
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)
“D'azur à une fleur-de-lis d'arg., soutenue d'un tertre de gu. C.: une fleur-de-lis d'arg., entre deux prob. d'azur. L. d'arg. et d'azur.”
GermanyNuremberg, c. 1765
Where the Zacharias Arms Were Recorded
Nuremberg
Map of Germany showing where the Zacharias arms are recorded
The Zacharias arms were recorded in Nuremberg, 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 Zacharias 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 Zacharias Family in Germany
The name Zacharias originates from the ancient Hebrew name Zechariah, which translates to "the Lord has remembered." As a surname, it became popular across Europe during the Middle Ages as a way to honor biblical figures. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Nuremberg. In 1765, Nuremberg was a thriving center for trade and craftsmanship within the Holy Roman Empire. Families living there during this period often participated in the city's famous guild system, which organized workers into specialized groups like goldsmiths, clockmakers, or merchants. Living in a major urban hub like Nuremberg suggests that early ancestors of the Zacharias family were likely integrated into the professional and civic life of a city known for its innovation and artistic production.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Zechariah
Derived from Hebrew meaning Yahweh remembers.
This name
ZachariasA German surname originating from the biblical name signifying God has remembered.
also spelled
Sacharias
Zachariaz
Zakarias
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
Stadtarchiv Nürnberg, Bürgerbücher der Reichsstadt Nürnberg, 1765
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
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
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
