Everhart family crest and coat of arms

Everhart is a Germanic surname meaning "brave as a wild boar." It is derived from the Old English words "eofor" (wild boar) and "heard" (brave, hardy). The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who displayed these qualities.

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.

The family name Everhart has several intriguing variations that have emerged over the centuries, each bearing unique characteristics influenced by linguistic and cultural shifts. In the 17th century, one common variant in England was Everard, which reflects a tendency to shorten and modify names for ease of use in everyday conversation. Meanwhile, the Dutch variant, Everhardt, gained popularity in the 18th century, particularly due to the migration of families to the Netherlands, where there was a penchant for retaining and adapting names while integrating local phonetics. In the 19th century, as families emigrated to America, the name evolved further into forms like Everheart, influenced by the phonetic nature of English spoken by immigrants and the simplification that often occurred to facilitate integration into American society. Additionally, in Germany, Everhart saw the variation of Eberhardt during the 16th century, where the Germanic roots intertwined with the sound shifts prevalent in the language during that era. In Scandinavia, the name has also seen transformations such as Eberhard, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries, as Nordic countries embraced the practice of combining names with familiar suffixes, which reflects a blending of cultural influences with traditional naming practices. Each variation encapsulates the evolving identity of the families carrying them, marking their journeys through different languages, communities, and historic events.

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