A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bentz family of Switzerland.
Reg. 6488 · Swiss, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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 au lion d'or, lamp. de gu., tenant de ses pattes une barre de fer, en pal; ledit lion soutenu d'un tertre de sin. et acc. en chef de deux étoiles (5) d'or. C.: le lion, iss. L. d'or et d'azur.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
Where the Bentz Arms Were Recorded
Bâle
Map of Switzerland showing where the Bentz arms are recorded
The Bentz 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 Bentz Family in Switzerland
The family name Bentz finds its roots in the Germanic regions of Europe, where it evolved as a shortened form of the name Benedict. By the mid-18th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Bâle, which is known today as Basel, Switzerland. Records from 1745 indicate that members of the Bentz family were integrated into the local community during a time when the city was a thriving center for trade and craftsmanship. Because Bâle served as a crossroads between Swiss, French, and German cultures, families like the Bentz often adapted their spelling and traditions to fit the linguistic shifts of the region. This period marked a time of stability for the family as they contributed to the social and economic life of the city, setting a foundation for future generations to expand across borders.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Benedictus
Latin term meaning blessed or well spoken of.
This name
BentzA patronymic surname derived from a shortened form of the name Benedict.
also spelled
Bents
Bentze
Bentzs
Related arms
Arginisimilar arms
Hammer de Nemesbánysimilar arms
Jelmisimilar arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt, Bürgerverzeichnisse der Stadt Basel
Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, Basel (Stadt), 2012
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
