Zinzendorf (surname)

Coat of arms of Zinzendorf family

The House of Zinzendorf and Pottendorf was the name of an old and important noble family whose origins are in Austria. It is not to be mistaken with the princely House of Sinzendorf, as the two don't share same ancestry.

History

The family was firstly mentioned in 1114 in a document written by Hermann von Vohburg, Bishop of Augsburg. Apart from their possessions in Austria, they also reigned over the Lordship of Pottendorf in Baden, which was incorporated into their name as Zinzendorf und Pottendorf. In 1460 they were awarded with the title of Baron by Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor, while in 1662 they were raised to the dignity of Imperial Count by Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor.

Notable members

• Count Christian Renatus von Zinzendorf und Pottendorf (died 1752)
• Count Karl von Zinzendorf und Pottendorf (died 1813), official in the Austrian government and diarist
• Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf und Pottendorf (died 1760), European religious and social reformer