[3] The first written documentation of Rheinbach dates back to 762, when Pepin the Short, then King of the Franks, gave lands to the Prüm Abbey.

In 1794, Rheinbach was incorporated into France within the Département de Rhin-et-Moselle before coming under the auspices of Prussia in 1815.

The coat of arms was made official in 1915 by Wilhelm II, German Emperor and King of Prussia.

The black cross with the silver background stands for the Roman catholic archdiocese of Cologne.

[6] Besides the town proper, Rheinbach administratively comprises the surrounding villages and hamlets, including Flerzheim.