A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Eckard family of Germany.
Reg. 9910 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cramponFirm hold on what has been gained
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. à deux crampons d'or, passés en saut., acc. en p. d'un tertre du même. Cq. cour. C.: une tête et col de griffon d'or.”
FranconiaFranconia, c. 1765
Where the Eckard Arms Were Recorded
Franconia
Map of Germany showing where the Eckard arms are recorded
The Eckard arms were recorded in Franconia, c. 1765.
Franconia was a patchwork of small territories in central Germany, full of minor landowners and prosperous market towns. So many separate households held land there that the region produced a great many coats of arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Germany when the Eckard arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Franconia.
Origin & History of the Eckard Family in Germany
The family name Eckard finds its roots in the ancient Germanic language, where it evolved from the personal name Eckhard. This name is composed of two distinct parts. The first part, eck, refers to the sharp edge of a sword, while the second part, hard, translates to brave or strong. Together, the name was likely used to describe a person who was a fierce or courageous warrior. By the year 1765, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in the Franconia region of Germany. During this period, Franconia was a collection of smaller territories and cities that valued craftsmanship and agriculture. Families like the Eckards often lived in small rural communities where they worked as farmers or skilled tradespeople. Their presence in this specific region suggests that they were part of the local social fabric that shaped the culture and traditions of central Germany for many generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Eckhard
Derived from the Germanic elements eck meaning edge or sword and hard meaning brave.
This name
EckardA surname signifying a person who is brave or hardy with a sword.
also spelled
Eckard
Eckardt
Ekard
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
Staatsarchiv Bamberg, Standesamtliche Unterlagen und Kirchenbücher der Region Franken, 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cramponFirm hold on what has been gained
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cramponFirm hold on what has been gained
