Holzer Family Crest
 Family
Name History
There are two explanations for the origin of the German
surname Holzer and its variants Holz, Holtzer, and Holtz.
Firstly, the name is of local origin, that is, derived from the Middle High
German word "Holt" meaning "wood,
grove", thus indicating "one who
dwelled in a wood or grove". The name is also of toponymic
origin, denoting "one who came from Holz or
Holzen (wood)", the names of several places in Germany.
Alternatively, the name is of occupational origin,
belonging to the category of surnames derived from the trade or profession
pursued by the original bearer of this surname. In this instance, the name
is derived from the Middle High German word "holzer"
and indicates "one who chopped and sold wood, a
wood cutter".
The earliest record of this surname or a variant dates
back to the fourteenth century when one Heinr, in Holz was recorded as a farmer
in Baden in 1355. Hug Holtzer was living in Daukmergen near Balingen in
1400 and Hans im Holzle was residing in Messkirch in 1515. Wolfgang Holzer
of Sumareinkirchen was ennobled by King Rudolf II in 1593 and Otto Holzer, a
court official from Speyer was ennobled by Emperor Ferdinand II in 1623.
The following coat of arms was granted to the brothers Gilg, Hans, Casper, Lucal,
and Gabrial Holzer by Emperor Friedrich III in Augsburg on May 7th, 1473.
BLAZON OF ARMS: Gules,
a tree stump argent with six cut off branches, placed in fess and surmounted by
an owl proper.
TRANSLATION: The tree
stump is a pun on the origin of the surname and the owl denotes Vigilance.
Gules (red) denotes Military Fortitude and
Magnanimity.
CREST: Between two tree
stumps in pale the owl of the arms.
ORIGIN: Germany
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