Girlach History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Girlach was first found in Dresden, where the name contributed greatly to the development of an emerging nation which would later play a large role in the tribal and national conflicts of the area. In later years the name branched into many houses, each playing a significant role in the local social and political affairs.

One of the most famous of the family was Saint Gerlach (Gerlache, Gerlac, Gerlachus van Houthem, Gerlac of Valkenberg) (d. c. 1170 AD) was a Dutch hermit who lived near Valkenburg in Limburg. Originally a soldier, Gerlache became a pious Christian upon the death of his wife and went on pilgrimage to Rome and Jerusalem. In Rome, he nursed the sick for seven years and accordingly to legend, he transformed local well water into wine three times as a sign that his sins had been forgiven. Later, Jacob von Gerlach received his Knighthood from King Sigismund in 1435.