A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Lerche family of Denmark.
Reg. 4245 · Danish, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“d'azur à deux étoiles (8) d'or, sur gu. à trois alouettes mal-ordonnées au nat., le vol plié; au chev. d'arg., br. sur la division. Cq. cour. C.: cinq pl. d'aut.: d'azur, d'or, d'arg., d'or et d'azur. — (Comtes, 31 mars 1751. M. ét. le 6 déc. 1757.) Ec.: aux 1 et 4 de gu. à la croix d'or, cant. de vingt croisettes du même, 5 à chaque canton, 2, 1 et 2; aux 2 et 3 d'or à un bras de carn., iss. d'une nuée d'arg. et tenant une épée d'arg., garnie d'or, la pointe de la lame sommée d'une flamme au nat. Sur le tout les armes de 1660 et 1679. Trois cq. cour. C.: 1° un arbre de sin., le feuillage ch. de sept roses d'arg., 1, 2, 1, 2 et 1; 2° le cimier de famille; 3° un vol d'arg.”
Denmarkc. 1722
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Map of Denmark showing where the Lerche arms are recorded
The Lerche arms were recorded in Denmark, 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 Denmark when the Lerche 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 Lerche Family in Denmark
The surname Lerche is rooted in the Danish language, where the word "lerche" refers to the lark, a small songbird known for its clear, melodic call. In the early 18th century, the family established a notable presence on the island of Sjælland. By 1722, records confirm that members of the family were active in this region, where they became integrated into the local social and administrative structures of Denmark. During this period, families often lived in rural or semi-rural settings, and the name likely served as a way to distinguish them within their community. As the family grew, they maintained their connections to the landscape of Sjælland, which remained a central hub for their activities throughout the following decades. Their history reflects the broader patterns of Danish life, where families established deep roots in specific provinces and contributed to the local history of their home districts.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Lærke
A small songbird known for its melodic flight.
This name
LercheA topographic or occupational surname referring to someone associated with the lark bird.
also spelled
Lerch
Lerchee
Lerka
Related arms
Lerchvariant spelling
Lerch de Dirmheimvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Hiort-Lorenzen, H. R. and Thiset, A., Danmarks Adels Aarbog, 1884
Trap, J. P., Statistisk-topographisk Beskrivelse af Kongeriget Danmark, 1858
Rigsarkivet, Danske Kancelli, Sjællandske Tegnelser
Rigsarkivet, Kirkebøger for Sjællands Stift
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
