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The German surname Stolz is of nickname origin, belonging to that category of names based on a personal or physical characteristic of the original bearer. In this instance, the name can be traced to the Old Germanic term 'Stolz', meaning, literally, 'proud' or 'solid' and by extension, therefore the name came to denote someone who was handsome, proud or charming. In Middle High German the name came also to denote somebody at high-spirits. Nicknames were very common in the medieval German states; they were terms of endearment and affection and they were also functional so that bearers of the same first name could be easily distinguished. Thus someone who was charming and stately was so named. Surnames were becoming commonplace at this time as documents were being charted to chronicle the growth and decline of populations. People thus registered using those names by which they were locally known. The modern structured system of hereditary family names had not yet evolved; therefore people adapted those names by which they were locally known. The first recorded instance of the surname 'Stolz' occurs in the 'Mittelhochdeutsches Namebuch'; one Richolfus Stolz is registered therein in 1150.

Blazon of Arms: Tierce in mantle; first vert a bunch of grapes or; second argent four stars vert; third vert, an ear of corn or.

Translation: Vert (green), denotes Hope, Joy and Loyalty in Love.

The heraldic metal or (gold), denotes Generosity and Elevation of Mind. The stars denoted Honour and Achievement in the service of the state in ancient times. The corn denotes Abundance.

Crest: Two buffalo horns proper.

Origin: Germany