A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Erik family of Germany.
Reg. 7984 · 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 Erik Arms Were Recorded
Nuremberg
Map of Germany showing where the Erik arms are recorded
The Erik 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 Erik 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 Erik Family in Germany
The name Erik originates from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, which combines the elements for "ever" or "eternal" and "ruler." By the time the family established roots in Nuremberg in 1765, the name had evolved through centuries of Germanic and Scandinavian influence to become a common choice across Central Europe. During the mid-eighteenth century, Nuremberg was a bustling center of trade and craftsmanship, and families living there were often deeply connected to the city's guild system. Records from this era suggest that individuals bearing this name were likely integrated into the professional life of the city, working as skilled artisans or merchants. Because Nuremberg was a hub for metalwork and printing, the family name likely moved through these social circles as members contributed to the city's reputation for innovation and industry. This period marked a time of stability for the family, allowing them to establish a lasting presence in the region as they navigated the changing political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Eiríkr
Old Norse compound meaning ever-ruler or sole ruler.
This name
ErikDerived from Germanic elements meaning eternal ruler or one who rules forever.
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 Stadt Nürnberg, 1765
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familien-Namen: 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
