A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Altorfer family of Switzerland.
Reg. 8280 · Swiss, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à la rose de gu., tigée et feuillée de sin. C.: la rose. 1. d'arg. et de gu.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
Where the Altorfer Arms Were Recorded
Bâle
Map of Switzerland showing where the Altorfer arms are recorded
The Altorfer arms were recorded in Bâle, 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 Altorfer Family in Switzerland
The Altorfer family name is deeply rooted in the history of the Swiss region, with documented evidence placing the family in the city of Basel by the year 1745. The name itself is likely topographic in origin, suggesting that the earliest ancestors lived near an old village or a specific settlement known as an "Altdorf." During the eighteenth century, Basel was a thriving center for trade and craftsmanship, and families like the Altorfers often integrated into the local guild systems that defined the city’s economy. As they established themselves in this urban environment, members of the family became part of the social fabric of the Rhine valley. Their presence in the city records from this period indicates that they were settled, contributing citizens who participated in the professional and civic life of the region during a time of significant growth for Switzerland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Alt-dorf
Old village or ancient settlement.
This name
AltorferRefers to a person who originated from an old or established village.
also spelled
Altorf
Related arms
Altorfvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Familiennamenbuch der Schweiz, Familiennamenbuch der Schweiz, 1989
Heer, Gottlieb Heinrich, Die Basler Familien, 1948
Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt, Bürgerverzeichnisse und Einwohnerregister
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
