A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Wolfhard family of Germany.
Reg. 6785 · German, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
wolfReward from long service and hard work
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Parti: au 1 de sin. à un loup ramp. au nat., tenant entre ses dents une oie d'arg.; au 2 d'arg. à la fasce de gu., fleuronnée de trois pièces d'or, 1 au bord supérieur et 2 au bord inférieur. C.: trois pl. d'aut. d'arg. L.: d'arg. et de sin.”
BavariaBavaria, c. 1827
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Map of Germany showing where the Wolfhard arms are recorded
The Wolfhard arms were recorded in Bavaria, c. 1827.
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 Wolfhard 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 Bavaria.
Origin & History of the Wolfhard Family in Germany
The name Wolfhard is rooted in Old High German, combining the words for wolf and hardy or brave. This name was originally a given name that eventually transitioned into a hereditary surname as populations grew and record-keeping became more formal. By the early 19th century, families bearing this name were well-established in the Bavarian region of Germany. In 1827, these individuals were likely part of a society transitioning from traditional agrarian life to the early stages of industrial modernization. Living in Bavaria during this period meant navigating a landscape shaped by the recent formation of the Kingdom of Bavaria and the influence of Napoleonic administrative reforms. These reforms required more precise civil registration, which helped solidify the Wolfhard name within official government records and local community histories.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wolf-hardu
Wolf and hardy, brave, or strong.
This name
WolfhardA person characterized by the strength, courage, or ferocity of a wolf.
also spelled
Wolfart
Wohlfarth
Wolfhard
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
Bayerisches Hauptstaatsarchiv, General-Landes-Direktion, Akten der Steuerkataster-Kommission, 1827
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
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
wolfReward from long service and hard work
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
wolfReward from long service and hard work
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
