Since a settlement with a harbour arose between Schüttorf and Emlichheim in the Early Middle Ages whose coat of arms bore a horn as a charge, it seems likely that Nordhorn could have arisen from this.
Sestsaadik, kui varakeskajal kerkis Schüttorfi ja Emlichheimi vahele sadamaga asula, mille vapil oli sarv, näib olevat tõenäoline, et Nordhorn võis sellest tuleneda.