The arms were granted in 1950.

The arms show an oak tree, especially the Upstalsboom. This was a special tree under which the free Frisians had their annual meetings (like a parliament).

At these meetings justice was done, lawswere approved and people came together. The tree was situated just outside Aurich. The town became the centre of the Frisian territory, part of which is the present Landkreis.

In 1744 the counts of Ostfriesland took possession of the area, which later became part of Prussia.

 
Literature :
Stadler, K. : Deutsche Wappen - Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Angelsachsen Verlag, 1964-1971, 8 volumes. © Ralf Hartemink, 1997