A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Erhardt family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 0795 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Parti d'or et de sa.; à deux demi-vols adossés, de l'un à l'autre. C.: les meubles de l'écu.”
GermanyNördlingen Bav, c. 1741
Where the Erhardt Arms Were Recorded
Nördlingen
Map of Germany showing where the Erhardt arms are recorded
The Erhardt arms were recorded in Nördlingen Bav, c. 1741.
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.
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 Erhardt Family in Germany
The name Erhardt is a Germanic patronymic surname derived from the ancient given name Erhard, which combines the elements "era," meaning honor, and "hard," meaning brave or hardy. During the Middle Ages, this name was popularized by Saint Erhard of Regensburg, a seventh-century missionary whose influence helped spread the name across southern German regions. By the time the family was documented in the imperial city of Nördlingen in 1741, the name had long been established among the burgher class. In cities like Nördlingen, families with this name often participated in the local guilds and civic governance that defined the social structure of the Holy Roman Empire. As the family lived in this region, they were part of a tradition where surnames became fixed indicators of lineage and local identity during a period of significant economic growth and religious transition in Swabia.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'or à l'aigle de sa., cour. du champ; aux 2 et 3 de gu. au lion d'or, cour. du même, lamp. du champ, tenant entre ses pattes une boule d'azur. Sur le tout coupé: a. d'arg. à une rose de gu.; b. de gu. à deux roses accostées d'arg. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° l'aigle, cont.; l. d'or et de sa.; 2° le lion, iss.; l. d'arg. et de gu.”
Austriac. 1677
Where the Erhardt Arms Were Recorded
Tyrol
Map of Austria showing where the Erhardt arms are recorded
The Erhardt arms were recorded in Austria, c. 1677.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Tyrol.
Tyrol was mountain country in western Austria, where the valleys were held by families who had been there a very long time. Old tenure counted for more than money, and old families carried 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.
Region
Tyrol
First recorded
1677
Granting Authority for the Erhardt Arms
Imperial and Royal chancery
Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.
Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor
1658–1705
Reigning in Germany when the Erhardt arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Austria
Austrian coats of arms were often linked directly to noble titles granted by the Emperor. These symbols belonged to the entire family line rather than just one individual. When a family grew, new branches kept the original design without needing to change it. This system allowed all members of a noble house to share the same identity across many generations.
Granting authority
The Imperial and Royal chancery managed all heraldic matters and controlled the official granting of arms throughout the Austrian lands.
How they got arms
Families typically received their arms through a formal imperial decree that often accompanied the elevation of a person to noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Official records of these grants were kept in the Imperial Register of Nobility which began its formal documentation process in 1453.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Austria.
Origin & History of the Erhardt Family in Austria
The family name Erhardt originates from the Old High German name Erhard, which combines the words for honor and brave or hardy. By the late 17th century, the name had become well-established within the rugged landscape of the Austrian Tyrol. Records confirm that members of the Erhardt family were living in this alpine region by 1677, likely working as farmers, craftsmen, or local officials in the mountain valleys. During this period, the Tyrol served as a vital crossroads for trade between northern and southern Europe. Families like the Erhardts often played an essential role in maintaining the social and economic stability of these isolated communities. As the family grew, they became deeply rooted in the local culture, contributing to the development of the region through their work and participation in parish life. Their presence in the historical records of the 1600s highlights a long tradition of endurance and community involvement in the heart of the Alps.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à un avant-bras, posé en fasce, paré de gu., rebr. d'arg., mouv. d'une nuée au nat. au flanc sen., tenant deux épis effeuillés d'or, surmontés d'une étoile du même. C.: un bras, paré d'azur, rebr. d'arg., brandissant trois épis effeuillés d'or. L. d'or et d'azur.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
Where the Erhardt Arms Were Recorded
Bâle
Map of Switzerland showing where the Erhardt arms are recorded
The Erhardt arms were recorded in Bâle, c. 1745.
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 Switzerland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Switzerland
In Switzerland, coats of arms were not restricted to the nobility and were often adopted by common citizens and families. These symbols were passed down through generations to show family identity. When branches of a family grew, they often changed small details of the design to distinguish their own line from the original group.
Granting authority
Cantonal and civic authorities managed the use of coats of arms within their specific regions and local jurisdictions.
How they got arms
Families typically assumed their own coats of arms based on local custom rather than receiving them from a central monarch.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in various cantonal and civic registers starting from the fourteenth century throughout the Swiss region.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Switzerland.
Origin & History of the Erhardt Family in Switzerland
The name Erhardt is a variation of the ancient Germanic name Erhard, which combines the words for honor and bravery. By the mid-eighteenth century, families bearing this name were well-established in the city of Basel, Switzerland. Records confirm that members of the Erhardt family were active in the region by 1745, participating in the urban life of a city that served as a major crossroads for trade and intellectual exchange. During this era, families with this surname often integrated into the local guild systems, which were essential for managing the city's economy and social order. As residents of Basel, the Erhardts lived in a period of significant transition, witnessing the city’s growth as a center for banking and manufacturing. Their presence in the city archives during this time highlights their role as settled citizens who contributed to the long-term stability of the Swiss Confederation.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ere-hardu
Derived from Old High German elements meaning honor and brave or hardy.
This name
ErhardtAn ancient Germanic name signifying someone who is brave, hardy, or strong in honor.
also spelled
Erhard
Erhart
Related arms
Calcarisimilar arms
Hafnersimilar arms
Neubecksimilar arms
Ehrhart Edle von Ehrhartsteinvariant 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
Gottschald, Max. Deutsche Namenkunde: Unsere Familiennamen nach ihrer Entstehung und Bedeutung. 1971
Stadtarchiv Nördlingen. Bürgerbücher und Ratsprotokolle der Stadt Nördlingen. 1741
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
lionCourage, strength and royalty
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
