A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Eichel family of Germany.
Reg. 2564 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Parti: au 1 d'arg. à une branche de chène englantée de cinq et feuillée de deux pièces, le tout au nat.; au 2 de sa. à trois étoiles d'or, rangées en pal. L'écu entouré d'une bord. d'or. Cq. cour. C.: un vol coupé, à dextre de sa. sur or, à sen. d'arg. sur sin. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de sin., à sen. d'or et de sa.”
GermanySaxe-Weimar, c. 1853
Where the Eichel Arms Were Recorded
Saxe-Weimar
Map of Germany showing where the Eichel arms are recorded
The Eichel arms were recorded in Saxe-Weimar, c. 1853.
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.
Frederick William IV of Prussia
Sovereign of the period
Frederick William IV of Prussia
1840–1861
Reigning in Germany when the Eichel arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
Prussian heraldry was strictly tied to social rank and noble status rather than being a free choice for every citizen. These symbols were treated as permanent family property that moved through the generations to all legitimate heirs. If a family branch wanted to change their design to stand out, they had to apply for official permission to alter their specific version of the shield.
Granting authority
The Prussian Heroldsamt acted as the central state office that managed and strictly controlled all noble titles and coats of arms.
How they got arms
Families usually obtained their arms through formal royal grants or by proving their long-standing noble status to the state authorities.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms were kept in the rolls of the Prussian Heroldsamt, which functioned from 1706 until 1918.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Eichel Family in Germany
The surname Eichel is a German occupational or topographical name that traces its roots back to the Middle Ages. The word itself translates to acorn, which suggests that the earliest ancestors likely lived near a prominent oak tree or worked in forestry and timber management. By the middle of the nineteenth century, the family had established a firm presence in the region of Saxe-Weimar. During this period, families in this part of Germany were often deeply connected to the local landscape and the agricultural traditions of the Thuringian forest. As the name became fixed through generations, it served as a marker of both the family’s geographic origins and their historical relationship with the natural environment of central Germany.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Eiche
A large deciduous tree belonging to the genus Quercus.
This name
EichelAn occupational or topographic name for someone who lived near an oak tree or gathered acorns.
also spelled
Eychel
Eichell
Eichl
Eikel
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
Thüringisches Staatsarchiv Weimar, Bestand: Kirchenbücher der Region Weimar, 1853
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
