A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Erbacher family of Germany.
Reg. 2410 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
acornAntiquity and strength from small beginnings
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 d'azur à deux glands pendants, mouv. d'une même tige feuillée de deux pièces, iss. du coupé, le tout au nat.; au 2 parti: a. d'arg. à la bande de gu., ch. de trois roses du champ; b. de gu. à une rose d'arg., tigée et feuillée de sin. C.: quatre glands, 2 et 2, mouv. d'une même tige et alternant avec quatre feuilles, 2 et 2, le tout au nat. L. d'arg. et de gu.”
FranconiaFranconia, c. 1765
Where the Erbacher Arms Were Recorded
Franconia
Map of Germany showing where the Erbacher arms are recorded
The Erbacher arms were recorded in Franconia, c. 1765.
Franconia was a patchwork of small territories in central Germany, full of minor landowners and prosperous market towns. So many separate households held land there that the region produced a great many coats of arms.
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 Erbacher 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 Franconia.
Origin & History of the Erbacher Family in Germany
The family name Erbacher is a classic example of a locative surname, which means it was originally used to identify people based on where they lived. In the German language, the suffix "-er" indicates a person who comes from a specific place, meaning the name translates to someone from a town called Erbach. By the year 1765, records confirm that members of the Erbacher family were well-established in the Franconia region of Germany. During this period, Franconia was a collection of smaller territories and principalities, and families often stayed within their local districts for generations to work in agriculture or skilled trades. Because the name is tied to a geographic location, it likely emerged independently in several different places where a village named Erbach existed. This suggests that early ancestors were likely farmers or craftsmen who became known to their neighbors simply by the name of their home village.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Erbach
A compound of erbe meaning inheritance and bach meaning a stream.
This name
ErbacherA habitational name for someone originating from a place named Erbach.
also spelled
Erback
Erbacher
Erbachh
Erbak
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
Gottschald, Max, Deutsche Namenkunde: Unsere Familiennamen, 1971
Staatsarchiv Bamberg, Standesamtliche Unterlagen und Kirchenbücher der Region Franken, 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
acornAntiquity and strength from small beginnings
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
acornAntiquity and strength from small beginnings
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
