Meaning of the Erfurth family crest symbols
Star
The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.
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 Erfurth 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.
Yellow/Gold
The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.
Erfurth name meaning and origin
Erfurth is a surname of German origin. It is a toponymic name, derived from the city of Erfurt in Thuringia, Germany. The name suggests that the initial bearers hailed from this area. In German, 'Erfurt' translates to 'fordable', indicating a place where a river could be crossed. Thus, the surname Erfurth may denote 'one from the fordable place'.
History of family crests like the Erfurth 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.
Erfurth name variations and their meaning
The family name Erfurth has several variations that have emerged over time. These variations include Erfurt, Erffurth, Erffurt, and Erffurth. Each variation adds a unique twist to the original name, while still maintaining its essence. These variations may have originated due to regional dialects, migration, or simply personal preference.
The variation Erfurt is perhaps the most common alternative to Erfurth. It retains the core sound and structure of the original name, making it easily recognizable. Erffurth and Erffurt, on the other hand, introduce an additional "f" to the name, giving it a slightly different pronunciation. These variations may have developed as a result of phonetic changes or regional accents.
Lastly, the variation Erffurth adds both an additional "f" and a "th" to the name, creating a more distinct and unique variation. This alteration may have been influenced by linguistic changes or personal choice.
Overall, the variations of the family name Erfurth showcase the flexibility and adaptability of surnames over time. They demonstrate how a single name can evolve and take on different forms while still retaining its fundamental identity.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com
