The area of the Bergisches Land belonged to the earldom of Berg for most of medieval times, which gives the district its name.

In 1929, a new Rhein-Wupper district was created, and several municipalities were incorporated into the cities of Wuppertal, Remscheid and Solingen.

The district form the western part of the Bergisches Land, where the hills of the Sauerland descend into the Rhine valley.

In the left side the double bars are thought to symbolize a castle, they were used by the earls of Berg around 1100.

When in 1225 the dukes of Limburg did take over they introduce their sign, the red lion with a blue tongue, into the coat of arms of the earldom.