A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Erich family of Germany.
Reg. 8046 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Tranché, de gu. à une rose d'arg., sur azur à une étoile (8) d'or; à la bande d'arg., br. sur le tranché. L.: à dextre d'arg. et de gu., à sen. d'or et d'azur.”
GermanyNuremberg, c. 1765
Where the Erich Arms Were Recorded
Nuremberg
Map of Germany showing where the Erich arms are recorded
The Erich arms were recorded in Nuremberg, 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 Erich 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 Erich Family in Germany
The family name Erich originates from the ancient Germanic given name Eiríkr, which combines elements meaning "ever" or "eternal" and "ruler" or "king." Over many centuries, this name evolved from a personal identifier into a hereditary surname as families began to adopt stable names to distinguish themselves in growing urban centers. By 1765, records confirm that members of the Erich family were well-established residents of Nuremberg. During this period, Nuremberg was a thriving hub of trade and craftsmanship within the Holy Roman Empire. Families like the Erichs often contributed to the city’s reputation for metalworking and clockmaking, playing an active role in the local guilds that defined the social and economic life of the city. As the family grew, they became part of the long-standing tradition of German burghers who helped shape the administrative and cultural identity of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Eiríkr
Old Norse elements meaning sole or ever and ruler or king.
This name
ErichAn ancient Germanic name signifying an eternal ruler or a single, powerful leader.
also spelled
Erichh
Erick
Erichs
Erik
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
Stadtarchiv Nürnberg, Bürgerbücher der Reichsstadt Nürnberg, 1765
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
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
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
