A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Burky family of Switzerland.
Reg. 5430 · Swiss, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
branchPeace, and new growth
Colours
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'or à deux bandes abaissées d'azur, acc. en chef d'un rameau d'olivier de sin., posé en bande.”
SwitzerlandFribourg, c. 1745
Where the Burky Arms Were Recorded
Fribourg
Map of Switzerland showing where the Burky arms are recorded
The Burky arms were recorded in Fribourg, 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 Burky Family in Switzerland
The Burky family name has deep roots in the Swiss canton of Fribourg, where records confirm their presence as early as 1745. The name is likely a variation of the Germanic word "burg," which refers to a fortified place or a small castle. Historically, families with this name were often associated with the rural landscape of the Swiss plateau, where they lived as farmers or skilled tradespeople. During the eighteenth century, life in Fribourg was defined by strong community ties and local agricultural traditions. As the family grew, they became integrated into the social and economic fabric of the region, contributing to the development of their local parishes. By tracing these early generations, we can see a family that was firmly established in the Swiss countryside and played a steady role in the history of their home canton.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Burg
A fortified place, castle, or town.
This name
BurkyA diminutive form referring to someone who lived near or worked at a small castle or fortification.
also spelled
Burki
Related arms
Burkivariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
State Archives of Fribourg, Registres paroissiaux de la ville de Fribourg, 1745
Müller, Charles, Dictionnaire historique et biographique de la Suisse, 1921
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
branchPeace, and new growth
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
branchPeace, and new growth
