A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Affolter family of Switzerland.
Reg. 1961 · Swiss, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. au singe d'or, posé de profil, assis sur une terrasse rocheuse d'arg., tenant de sa patte dextre une pomme du sec. C.: les meubles de l'écu. L. d'arg. et de gu.”
SwitzerlandSoleure, c. 1745
Where the Affolter Arms Were Recorded
Soleure
Map of Switzerland showing where the Affolter arms are recorded
The Affolter arms were recorded in Soleure, c. 1745.
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 Affolter Family in Switzerland
The surname Affolter is a topographic name that originated in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland. It is derived from the Middle High German word *affolter*, which refers to an apple tree. Families who adopted this name likely lived near a prominent apple orchard or a specific tree that served as a local landmark. By the middle of the 18th century, the family had established a documented presence in the canton of Solothurn, also known as Soleure. Records confirm that members of the Affolter family were living in this region by 1745, where they were integrated into the local agricultural and social structures of the Swiss Confederation. Over time, the name spread from these rural roots to become a recognized part of the regional history of the Solothurn area.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Affolter
Derived from the Middle High German word for apple tree.
This name
AffolterRefers to a person who lived near or worked in an apple orchard.
also spelled
Afolter
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon, 1967
Staatsarchiv des Kantons Solothurn, Kirchenbücher der Pfarrei Solothurn, 1745
Zürcher, Christoph, Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, 2002
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
