A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Elmenhorst family of Germany.
Reg. 2721 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
horseshoeGood fortune and protection from harm
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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'azur à un demi-fer-à-cheval d'arg., mouv. du parti, acc. en chef à dextre d'une étoile (6) d'or; au 2 de gu. à trois bandes d'arg. C.: une étoile (8) d'or; entre deux prob., coupées alt. d'arg. et de gu. L.: d'arg. et de gu.”
GermanyHambourg, c. 1765
Where the Elmenhorst Arms Were Recorded
Hambourg
Map of Germany showing where the Elmenhorst arms are recorded
The Elmenhorst arms were recorded in Hambourg, c. 1765.
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 Elmenhorst 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 Elmenhorst Family in Germany
The name Elmenhorst originates from the Low German language and is a topographic surname. It is composed of two distinct parts. The first part, elmen, refers to the elm tree. The second part, horst, describes a wooded hill or a piece of elevated land covered in brush. Together, the name likely identified a family that lived near a prominent grove of elm trees on a hillside. By the year 1765, the family was well-established in Hamburg, a major port city that served as a hub for trade and commerce. During this era, families in Hamburg were often deeply involved in the merchant guilds or local administration. This allowed the Elmenhorst name to become associated with the growing economic prosperity of the region. As the family settled into urban life, they helped shape the cultural and social landscape of the city for generations to come.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Elm and Horst
Elm tree and a wooded height or thicket.
This name
ElmenhorstRefers to a person living near a wooded hill covered in elm trees.
also spelled
Elmenhorste
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 Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
Staatsarchiv Hamburg, Hamburger Kirchenbücher (Kirchenbuch der St. Jacobi Kirche), 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
horseshoeGood fortune and protection from harm
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
horseshoeGood fortune and protection from harm
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
