A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Abis family of Switzerland.
Reg. 3961 · Swiss, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
knightChivalry and service in arms
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“D'azur à une couleuvre d'or, cour. du même, ondoyante en pal, engloutissante un enfant aussi d'or; ladite couleuvre br. sur un bâton d'arg.”
SwitzerlandCoire, c. 1725
Where the Abis Arms Were Recorded
Coire
Map of Switzerland showing where the Abis arms are recorded
The Abis arms were recorded in Coire, c. 1725.
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 Switzerland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Switzerland
In Switzerland, coats of arms were not restricted to the nobility and were often adopted by common citizens and families. These symbols were passed down through generations to show family identity. When branches of a family grew, they often changed small details of the design to distinguish their own line from the original group.
Granting authority
Cantonal and civic authorities managed the use of coats of arms within their specific regions and local jurisdictions.
How they got arms
Families typically assumed their own coats of arms based on local custom rather than receiving them from a central monarch.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in various cantonal and civic registers starting from the fourteenth century throughout the Swiss region.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Switzerland.
Origin & History of the Abis Family in Switzerland
The history of the Abis family is deeply rooted in the Alpine region of Coire, which is known today as Chur in Switzerland. By the year 1725, records confirm that family members were established residents of this historic city, which served as a vital crossroads for trade and travel through the mountain passes. During the eighteenth century, Coire was a center of political and religious activity where families often held roles in local governance or the merchant guilds. The name Abis likely evolved from regional linguistic patterns common to the Grisons canton, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the area. As inhabitants of such a strategic location, early members of the family were part of a community that navigated the complex social changes of the Enlightenment era while maintaining strong ties to their ancestral home in the Alps.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Abbas
Derived from the Aramaic word for father or a stern person.
This name
AbisA surname originating from a personal name signifying paternal authority or a fatherly figure.
also spelled
Abis
Abiss
Abies
Abbis
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Staatsarchiv Graubünden, Kirchenbücher der Stadt Chur (1725)
Bundner Tagblatt, Geschichte der Stadt Chur (1998)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
knightChivalry and service in arms
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
knightChivalry and service in arms
