Although arguably there is no connection between the meaning of a surname and a coat of arms, the origins as known seem to us unlikely given that a coat of arms of great prominence was granted to the family of Hurtado de Mendoza in circa 1600.
Freezing meat keeps bacteria in a dormant stage. However, once thawed, these bacteria can become active again. Never thaw meat on the counter or let it sit out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. In the summer, reduce this time to 1 hour.
Depending on the type and size of your freezer, it generally takes anywhere from 12-24 hours for your freezer to become cold enough to keep food frozen. A good way to test this is to put an ice cube tray with fresh water into the freezer - when the ice cubes are frozen, it is cold enough to freeze your food properly. Of course, you also want to ensure you leave the freezer door shut as much as possible, so cold air doesn't escape. So resist the temptation to check it every hour from the moment you plug it in. Wait at least 6 hours before you take your first peek, but a good time frame to expect is 12-24 hours. If you have food you need to keep frozen in the meantime, a good ice chest or cooler with some blocks of ice will usually be sufficient to kee everything cold - just don't leave it in the sun or any other warm spot.