A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gericke family of Netherlands.
Reg. 9679 · Dutch, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 d'or à une tête et col d'aigle de sa., languée de gu.; au 2 de gu. à la fasce d'or, acc. de trois étoiles du même. Brl. d'or et de gu. C.: deux étoiles d'or, l'une sur l'autre; entre un vol, d'arg. et de sa. L. d'or et de gu. S.: à dextre un griffon, la moitié supérieure du corps, les ailes et les pattes de devant d'arg., le reste au nat., bq. au nat., langué de gu.; à sen. un lion reg. au nat., lamp. de gu. D.: LABORE, CONSTANTIA, INTEGRITATE.”
Netherlandsc. 1833
Where the Gericke Arms Were Recorded
Friesland
Map of Netherlands showing where the Gericke arms are recorded
The Gericke arms were recorded in Netherlands, c. 1833.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Friesland.
Friesland was low, wet country on the northern coast of the Netherlands, farmed by families who had held the same land for centuries. Free landholders were unusually common there, and a free landholder could carry arms.
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.
Region
Friesland
First recorded
1833
Granting Authority for the Gericke Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Gericke arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Netherlands.
Origin & History of the Gericke Family in Netherlands
The surname Gericke is a variation of the Germanic name Gerhard, which combines the words for spear and brave or strong. This name became very popular across Northern Europe during the Middle Ages, eventually evolving into various local forms as families settled in different regions. By the early 19th century, members of the Gericke family were well-established in the coastal province of Friesland. Life in this region during the 1830s was defined by the unique landscape of the North Sea coast, where families often worked in agriculture or maritime trade. Because Friesland maintained its own distinct language and cultural traditions, the Gericke family lived within a society that valued local independence and strong community ties. These early ancestors helped shape the history of their home through their contributions to the local economy and their participation in the social life of their Frisian villages.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gerhard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning spear and hardy or brave.
This name
GerickeA patronymic form meaning son of the brave spearman.
also spelled
Gericke
Herwynen
Gerike de Herwinen
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
Tresoar (Frisian Historical and Literary Center), Bevolkingsregisters van Friesland (Population Registers of Friesland), 1811–1900
Gottschald, Max, Deutsche Namenkunde: Unsere Familiennamen, 1971
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
