A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Altermatt family of Switzerland.
Reg. 1197 · Swiss, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur au chev. d'arg., acc. en chef de deux étoiles d'or et en p. d'un trèfle de sin. C.: un trèfle de sin., sommé d'une étoile d'or. L. d'or, d'azur et d'arg.”
SwitzerlandSoleure, c. 1745
Where the Altermatt Arms Were Recorded
Soleure
Map of Switzerland showing where the Altermatt arms are recorded
The Altermatt 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 Altermatt Family in Switzerland
The Altermatt family name originates from the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, specifically within the canton of Solothurn. The name itself is a topographic surname, which means it was likely derived from a specific location where the family lived. In the local dialect, the name combines the words "alt," meaning old, and "matt," which refers to a mountain meadow or pasture. This suggests that the earliest ancestors were farmers or herdsmen who settled on a piece of land known as the "old meadow." By the year 1745, records confirm that the family was well-established in the Solothurn region, where they became integrated into the local community life. Over the centuries, the family grew and spread throughout the surrounding valleys, maintaining their connection to the rugged landscape of the Jura Mountains.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Alter Matte
Old or ancient meadow or pasture land.
This name
AltermattRefers to someone who lived near or owned an old, established meadow.
also spelled
Altermate
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Familiennamenbuch der Schweiz, Familiennamenbuch der Schweiz, 1989
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
