A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Erkel family of Germany.
Reg. 3795 · German, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
batonAuthority and office held under the crown
sickleThe harvest, and the reaping of what was sown
Colours
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)
“De sa. à un bourdon de pèlerin d'arg., posé en bande, et une bêche du même, le fer en bas, posée en barre, passées en saut. C.: un vol à l'antique, aux armes de l'écu.”
GermanyNuremberg, c. 1765
Where the Erkel Arms Were Recorded
Nuremberg
Map of Germany showing where the Erkel arms are recorded
The Erkel 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 Erkel 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 Erkel Family in Germany
The family name Erkel is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of southern Germany, with records confirming that members of the family were established in the city of Nuremberg by 1765. During the eighteenth century, Nuremberg served as a major center for trade, skilled craftsmanship, and intellectual growth, which likely influenced the family’s social and economic standing. The name itself is thought to be a diminutive form of names starting with "Erk," such as Erkenbert or Erhard, which were common in the region during the Middle Ages. As the family settled into the urban environment of Nuremberg, they were part of a vibrant society that prioritized professional guilds and municipal record-keeping. By living in such a prominent trade hub, the early Erkel family members were likely integrated into the city’s complex network of merchants or artisans who helped shape the local economy.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Erich
Derived from the Germanic elements for eternal and ruler.
This name
ErkelA diminutive form of names beginning with the element meaning eternal ruler.
also spelled
Erkell
Erkele
Erk
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Stadtarchiv Nürnberg, Bürgerbücher der Stadt Nürnberg (1765)
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt (1967)
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.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
batonAuthority and office held under the crown
sickleThe harvest, and the reaping of what was sown
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
batonAuthority and office held under the crown
sickleThe harvest, and the reaping of what was sown
