A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Berchtold family of Switzerland.
Reg. 8841 · Swiss, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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'or au coeur de gu., posé sur un tertre de sin. et sommé d'une tige de sin., feuillée du même, fleurie à dextre de trois muguets d'arg., l'un sur l'autre; ledit coeur accosté de deux étoiles de gu. C.: un soleil d'or.”
SwitzerlandBerne, c. 1745
Where the Berchtold Arms Were Recorded
Berne
Map of Switzerland showing where the Berchtold arms are recorded
The Berchtold arms were recorded in Berne, 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 Berchtold Family in Switzerland
The surname Berchtold originates from the Germanic personal name Berhtold, which combines the words for bright and ruler. This name was popular throughout the Middle Ages and eventually evolved into a hereditary family name as populations grew. By the mid-eighteenth century, the Berchtold family was firmly established in the city of Berne, Switzerland. Records confirm their presence there by 1745, where they lived as part of the local citizenry. Families with this name often worked in trade or local administration, contributing to the development of the region. Over several generations, the Berchtold name became deeply rooted in the social and economic life of the Swiss cantons.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Berht-wald
Derived from Germanic elements meaning bright or famous and rule or power.
This name
BerchtoldA name signifying a person who is a bright or illustrious ruler.
also spelled
Berchtolt
Berktold
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Brechenmacher, Josef Karlmann. Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Familiennamen. 1957
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich. 1903
Staatsarchiv des Kantons Bern. Bürgerrodel der Stadt Bern. 1745
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
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
