Shwartzkopf History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Shwartzkopf

What does the name Shwartzkopf mean?

From the historical and enchanting region of Germany emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Shwartzkopf family. Originally, the German people were known only by a single name. The process by which hereditary surnames were adopted in German is extremely interesting. Surnames evolved during the Middle Ages when people began to assume an extra name to avoid confusion and to further identify themselves. Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames. Nickname surnames were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The name Shwartzkopf is a nickname type of surname for a person with black hair. Looking back further, we find the name Shwartzkopf was originally derived from the Old German words "schwartz," meaning "black," and "kopf," meaning "head."

Early Origins of the Shwartzkopf family

The surname Shwartzkopf was first found in the Saxon province of Altmark, where the name gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. The oldest branch of the family had its seat at the estate Uenglingen near Stendal as early as 1400. In 1443 they acquired estates in West-Heeren, in 1447 in Wallenrode, and by 1466 they had their seat in the city of Stendal. The family later became more prominent as many branches of the same house acquired distant estates, mainly in the areas of Hessen and Brunswick, always elevating their social status through their contributions in public and military service.

Early History of the Shwartzkopf family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Shwartzkopf research. Another 274 words (20 lines of text) covering the years 1637, 1792 and 1858 are included under the topic Early Shwartzkopf History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Shwartzkopf Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Schwarzkopf, Schwartzkopf, Schwarzkopp, Schwartzkopp, Schwarzkoppen, Schwartzkoppen, Schwarzkoff and many more.

Early Notables of the Shwartzkopf family

More information is included under the topic Early Shwartzkopf Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Shwartzkopf family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Clemans Schwartzkoff (or Schwarzkopf), who arrived in Philadelphia in 1856; as did Frederick Schwartzkopf and Peter Schwartzkoff in the same year. August Schwartzkopf arrived in Philadelphia in 1868..

The Shwartzkopf Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Vitam impendere vero
Motto Translation: To risk one's life for the truth.