A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ehrhardt family of Germany.
Reg. 0550 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à une bague d'or en forme de serpent arrondi, à deux têtes, la bague châtonnée d'une pierre précieuse; à une fleur-de-lis du sec., posée au centre de la bague. C.: les meubles de l'écu.”
GermanyMemmingen, c. 1795
Where the Ehrhardt Arms Were Recorded
Memmingen
Map of Germany showing where the Ehrhardt arms are recorded
The Ehrhardt arms were recorded in Memmingen, c. 1795.
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 II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor
1792–1806
Reigning in Germany when the Ehrhardt 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 Germany.
Origin & History of the Ehrhardt Family in Germany
The surname Ehrhardt is a Germanic name that evolved from the ancient personal name Erhard, which combines the words for honor and hardy or strong. By the time your ancestors were established in the city of Memmingen in 1795, the name had been used for centuries across German-speaking regions to describe someone of noble character or great courage. During the late 18th century, Memmingen was a bustling center of trade and craftsmanship within the Holy Roman Empire. Families like yours often lived in such towns to participate in the growing guild systems or local governance. Because Memmingen was a Free Imperial City, it provided a stable environment where families could maintain records of their births, marriages, and deaths for generations. This stability allowed the Ehrhardt name to become a recognized part of the local community as the family contributed to the social and economic life of the region during a time of great change in Europe.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Erehard
Derived from the Germanic elements for honor and hardy or brave.
This name
EhrhardtAn honorable and courageous person who possesses great strength and resolve.
also spelled
Erhart
Ehrhardt
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
Stadtarchiv Memmingen, Bürgerbuch der Stadt Memmingen, 1795
Gottschald, Max, Deutsche Namenkunde: Unsere Familiennamen nach ihrer Entstehung und Bedeutung, 1971
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
