A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Erasmus family of Germany.
Reg. 0749 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 une licorne saillante d'arg.; à la barre d'or, br. sur le tout et ch. de trois fleurs-de-lis de sa., posées chacune en bande. Cq. cour. C.: la licorne, iss., entre un vol à l'antique de gu. ch. de la barre de l'écu. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'or et de sa.”
GermanyFrancfort s, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Erasmus arms are recorded
The Erasmus arms were recorded in Francfort s, 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 Erasmus 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 Erasmus Family in Germany
The surname Erasmus finds its roots in the ancient Greek name Erasmos, which translates to beloved or desired. Because this name was associated with Saint Erasmus, a popular figure in early Christian history, it became a common given name throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. Over time, as families began to adopt permanent surnames, many people took the name as a way to honor their heritage or their devotion to the saint. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family was well-established in the region of Frankfurt, Germany. Records from 1765 show that members of the family were active participants in the social and economic life of the city during this period. As they settled into these urban centers, the family name became a fixed identifier that connected later generations to their ancestors who lived along the banks of the Main River.
Erasmus Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Erasmios
Derived from the Greek word meaning beloved or desired.
This name
ErasmusA name signifying one who is worthy of love or affection.
also spelled
Erasmuss
Erasm
Erasmi
Related arms
Erasmivariant spelling
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
Institut für Stadtgeschichte Frankfurt am Main, Bürgerbücher der Stadt Frankfurt am Main, 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
