Meaning of the Gebhardt family crest symbols
Torse
The torse was originally used to mask the join between helmet and crest but also holds a secondary meaning as a momento given to a crusader by his lady-love, given to him when he left for battle.
Crown
The crown is one of the oldest and most recognizable symbols of nobility. Its use was prevalent since medieval times and signified authority in relation to those of royal lineage, high societal standing and military ranking.
Meaning of the Gebhardt coat of arms colors
Silver
The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Gebhardt name meaning and origin
The family name Gebhardt is of German origin and means "strong as a spear." It is derived from the Old High German words "geb" meaning "gift" and "hart" meaning "strong" or "hardy."
History of family crests like the Gebhardt coat of arms
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.
Gebhardt name variations and their meaning
The family name Gebhardt has several variations across different regions and cultures. In Germany, variations of this name include Gebhart, Gebhard, and Gebhardi. These variations may have originated from different spellings or pronunciations over time. In the United States, the name may have been anglicized to Gebhart or Gebhard. It is not uncommon for family names to undergo changes when individuals or families migrate to different countries or regions.
Furthermore, variations of the name Gebhardt can also be found in other languages. For instance, in Dutch, the name may be spelled as Gevaert or Gevaerts. In French, it could be written as Gebhart or Gebhardt. These variations reflect the influence of different languages and cultures on the name over generations.
Overall, the variations of the family name Gebhardt demonstrate the diverse ways in which names can evolve and adapt across different regions and languages.
Find your family crest
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
