A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Scherff family of Germany.
Reg. 7315 · German, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Taillé: au 1 d'azur à une licorne saillante et cont. d'arg.; au 2 de sin. à un serpent d'arg., ondoyant en barre. A la barre d'or, br. sur le taillé. Cq. cour. C.: une licorne iss. d'arg. L.: à dextre d'or et d'azur, à sen. d'or et de sin. S.: à dextre un serpent, à sen. une licorne. D.: PER ASPERA AD ASTRA.”
GermanyLimb, c. 1821
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Map of Germany showing where the Scherff arms are recorded
The Scherff arms were recorded in Limb, c. 1821.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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.
Frederick William III of Prussia
Sovereign of the period
Frederick William III of Prussia
1797–1840
Reigning in Germany when the Scherff arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
Prussian heraldry was strictly tied to social rank and noble status rather than being a free choice for every citizen. These symbols were treated as permanent family property that moved through the generations to all legitimate heirs. If a family branch wanted to change their design to stand out, they had to apply for official permission to alter their specific version of the shield.
Granting authority
The Prussian Heroldsamt acted as the central state office that managed and strictly controlled all noble titles and coats of arms.
How they got arms
Families usually obtained their arms through formal royal grants or by proving their long-standing noble status to the state authorities.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms were kept in the rolls of the Prussian Heroldsamt, which functioned from 1706 until 1918.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Scherff Family in Germany
The surname Scherff originates from the German-speaking regions of Central Europe, with deep roots tied to the professional and social structures of the early nineteenth century. By 1821, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established within the Kingdom of Bavaria. The name itself is often linked to the Middle High German word "scherfe," which historically referred to a small coin or a sharp-edged tool. This suggests that the earliest ancestors to carry the name may have been identified by their specific trade, such as a metalworker or a merchant who handled currency. As these families lived in the Bavarian region, they were part of a society transitioning through significant political and agricultural changes. The Scherff family likely contributed to the local economy and community life of their home villages, helping to shape the cultural landscape of southern Germany during this era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Scherf
A Middle High German term for a small coin or piece.
This name
ScherffAn occupational name for a money changer or a nickname for a person of little wealth.
also spelled
Vonscherf
Scherff
von Scherf
Scherf
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bayerisches Hauptstaatsarchiv, General-Landes-Direktion, Akten des bayerischen Staatsministeriums des Innern
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
Kohlheim, Rosa and Volker Kohlheim, Duden Familiennamen: Herkunft und Bedeutung von 20.000 Nachnamen, 2005
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
