Elhard family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Elhard family crest symbols

Torse

The torse was originally used to mask the join between helmet and crest but also holds a secondary meaning as a momento given to a crusader by his lady-love, given to him when he left for battle.

Shield - Bordure

The 'bordure' edge around the shield is a mark of difference used to identify separate families that hold similar coat of arms designs. It is one that became a distinctive mark of pride over time for those families that used one.

Meaning of the Elhard coat of arms colors

Silver

The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.

Blue

The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.

Elhard name meaning and origin

The family name Elhard is of German origin, likely derived from a personal name meaning noble strength or strong. It is associated with traits of resilience and integrity, often linked to ancient customs and occupations in the regions where it originated.

History of family crests like the Elhard coat of arms

Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.

The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.

The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.

Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.

Elhard name variations and their meaning

Throughout history, the family name Elhard has evolved in intriguing ways across various cultures and languages. In Germany, variations such as Elhardt and Elhardt emerged during the 15th century, reflecting changes in spelling as the German language underwent a significant transformation known as High German consonant shift. By the 18th century, the name had also been recorded as Ellhardt in regions influenced by the dialects of Middle High German, showcasing local linguistic adaptations. Meanwhile, in the Anglo-Saxon context, the name evolved into Ellis and Elison during the 17th century, influenced by the migration and anglicization of names as families sought to assimilate into English-speaking societies. Additionally, in Scandinavian countries, the name transformed into Elhardsson or Elhardsen during the 19th century, highlighting the patronymic tradition that characterizes Nordic naming conventions. These variations not only reveal the phonetic changes over centuries but also mirror the socio-cultural shifts experienced by families bearing the name.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: