A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gerlach family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 1433 · German, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
horseReadiness to serve king and country
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 cheval naiss. d'arg., mouv. de flammes au nat. en p. Cq. cour. C.: le cheval iss. L. d'arg. et de sa.”
GermanyGörlitz, c. 1433
Where the Gerlach Arms Were Recorded
Görlitz
Map of Germany showing where the Gerlach arms are recorded
The Gerlach arms were recorded in Görlitz, c. 1433.
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.
Sigismund
Sovereign of the period
Sigismund
1411–1437
Reigning in Germany when the Gerlach 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 Gerlach Family in Germany
The surname Gerlach is rooted in the Old High German language, where it was originally a given name composed of the elements "ger," meaning spear, and "lach," meaning play or sport. This suggests that the name was historically associated with warriors or those skilled in combat. By the early 15th century, the name had transitioned into a hereditary family surname as it became more common for people to identify themselves by their lineage. Records from 1433 confirm that members of the Gerlach family were established in the city of Görlitz, which was a significant center of trade and culture in the region of Upper Lusatia. During this period, families in such cities often played active roles in local governance, guilds, and the growing urban economy. The presence of the Gerlach name in these historical records reflects the broader trend of families settling in prosperous German towns to build their lives and influence during the late Middle Ages.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'or à la fasce d'arg., ch. de deux trèfles de sin. C.: un trèfle de sin., entre un vol.”
DenmarkCopenhague, c. 1722
Where the Gerlach Arms Were Recorded
Sjaælland
Map of Denmark showing where the Gerlach arms are recorded
The Gerlach arms were recorded in Copenhague, c. 1722.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Sjaælland.
Zealand held the Danish court, the crown's offices and Copenhagen itself. Families who served the king kept estates within reach of it, and royal service was the ordinary route to a coat of 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.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Denmark in this period.
Frederik IV of Denmark
Sovereign of the period
Frederik IV of Denmark
1699–1730
Reigning in Germany when the Gerlach arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Denmark
Danish heraldry during this period was closely tied to noble status and royal favor rather than being open to all citizens. Arms were typically granted by the monarch to individuals, and these symbols were then shared by all members of the noble house. If a family line died out, the right to use those specific arms ended with them.
Granting authority
The Danish royal chancery held the power to issue and regulate official coats of arms for the kingdom.
How they got arms
Families usually received their arms through a formal royal grant that confirmed their noble status and rights.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Danish Royal Chancery records starting in the sixteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Denmark.
Origin & History of the Gerlach Family in Denmark
The surname Gerlach has deep roots in the Germanic regions of Europe, but its presence in Denmark became firmly established by the early eighteenth century. By 1722, records confirm that members of the Gerlach family were living on the island of Sjaelland. During this period, the name was often associated with families who moved across borders for military service or trade. As these individuals settled into Danish life, they integrated into the local communities of eastern Denmark. The name itself is derived from Old High German roots that signify a spear or a powerful warrior, reflecting a history tied to strength and service. Over the following generations, the family became a part of the social fabric of the region, transitioning from newcomers into established residents of the Danish landscape.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“De sa. au chev. alésé d'or, la cime touchant au bord supérieur de l'écu; le chev. acc. de trois fleurs-de-lis d'or. C.: une fleur-de-lis d'or, entre un vol coupé alt. d'or et de sa.”
AustriaVienne, c. 1558
Where the Gerlach Arms Were Recorded
Vienne
Map of Austria showing where the Gerlach arms are recorded
The Gerlach arms were recorded in Vienne, c. 1558.
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
Vienne
Town
Vienne
First recorded
1558
Granting Authority for the Gerlach Arms
Imperial and Royal chancery
Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.
Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor
1556–1564
Reigning in Germany when the Gerlach arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Austria
Austrian coats of arms were often linked directly to noble titles granted by the Emperor. These symbols belonged to the entire family line rather than just one individual. When a family grew, new branches kept the original design without needing to change it. This system allowed all members of a noble house to share the same identity across many generations.
Granting authority
The Imperial and Royal chancery managed all heraldic matters and controlled the official granting of arms throughout the Austrian lands.
How they got arms
Families typically received their arms through a formal imperial decree that often accompanied the elevation of a person to noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Official records of these grants were kept in the Imperial Register of Nobility which began its formal documentation process in 1453.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Austria.
Origin & History of the Gerlach Family in Austria
The name Gerlach originates from the Old High German language, combining the words for spear and play or fight. This suggests that the earliest ancestors were likely associated with military service or skilled craftsmanship in weaponry. By the year 1558, records confirm that members of the Gerlach family were firmly established in Vienna. During this period, Vienna served as the vibrant capital of the Holy Roman Empire, acting as a central hub for trade and administration. Families like the Gerlachs often integrated into the city’s growing middle class, working as merchants, artisans, or minor officials within the imperial bureaucracy. Their presence in the city during the mid-16th century indicates that they were part of the social fabric that helped shape Vienna into a major European cultural center. Over time, the family name became a permanent fixture in Austrian records, reflecting the broader migration and settlement patterns of central Europe during the Renaissance.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gerlach
Derived from the Germanic elements ger meaning spear and lach meaning play.
This name
GerlachA medieval given name signifying a skilled spear fighter or one who plays with a spear.
also spelled
Gerlache
Gerlack
Gerlak
Related arms
Bostelrecorded with Gerlach, same area
Dreifussrecorded with Gerlach, same area
Oslanderrecorded with Gerlach, same area
Romrecorded with Gerlach, same area
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 Görlitz, Ratsrechnungen der Stadt Görlitz, 1433
Gottschald, Max, Deutsche Namenkunde: Unsere Familiennamen, 1982
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
horseReadiness to serve king and country
horseReadiness to serve king and country
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
