The Pernštejn () was one of the seven Moravian dynasty families and the most important (uradel) family originating from Moravian nobility. The first mentioned member of House of Pernštejn lived in the 13th century. They took their name after their first main seat – the Pernštejn Castle. Throughout history, Pernštejns held some of the most prestigious offices in both Kingdom of Bohemia and Margraviate of Moravia. Four members of the House of Pernštejn were appointed to the position of Land Hejtman of Moravia at various times. Their power peaked in the 16th century during the life of Vilém II of Pernštejn and his sons. With John Vratislav of Pernštejn the male line of the family became extinct in 1631. The last member of the female line – Polyxena of Pernštejn – then married into the House of Lobkowicz, who incorporated the black aurochs of Pernštejn family into their coat of arms. One of the most important authorities on the Pernstejn family history is the Czech historian Petr Vorel.
