A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bossard family of Switzerland.
Reg. 5683 · Swiss, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 saut. d'or, ch. d'une étoile d'azur; au chef du sec., ch. d'une aigle de sa., cour. d'or. C.: l'aigle. L. d'or et de sa.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
Where the Bossard Arms Were Recorded
Bâle
Map of Switzerland showing where the Bossard arms are recorded
The Bossard 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 Bossard Family in Switzerland
The surname Bossard is deeply rooted in the history of the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, with its origins likely tied to the occupational history of the Middle Ages. The name is generally considered a variation of the Middle High German word "bosser," which referred to a person who worked as a stonecutter or a builder. By the mid-18th century, the family had established a clear presence in the city of Bâle, which was a significant center for trade and craftsmanship at the time. Records confirm that members of the Bossard family were active in this region by 1745, likely contributing to the local economy through their traditional trades. As the family grew, they became integrated into the social and professional fabric of the city, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement common among skilled workers in Swiss urban centers during the Enlightenment era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bos
A Latin term referring to an ox or a head of cattle.
This name
BossardAn occupational surname for a cattle herder, drover, or someone who worked with oxen.
also spelled
Bossart
Bosard
Related arms
Bossartvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Brechenmacher, Josef Karlmann. Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Familiennamen. 1957
Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt. Bürgerverzeichnisse und Einwohnerregister. 1745
Bahlow, Hans. Deutsches Namenlexikon. 1967
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
