A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Carro family of Switzerland.
Reg. 9471 · Swiss, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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'arg. à la bande d'azur, ch. de trois demi-vols d'or, en pals. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° un vol d'or; 2. d'or et d'azur; 2° deux têtes et cols de cygne accostés d'arg., coll. d'or; 1. d'arg. et d'azur.”
SwitzerlandQuarro, c. 1813
Where the Carro Arms Were Recorded
Bern
Map of Switzerland showing where the Carro arms are recorded
The Carro arms were recorded in Quarro, c. 1813.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bern.
Bern was the largest of the Swiss cantons and ran itself, with its own council and its own courts. Its governing families held office for generations, and office of that kind carried a shield with it.
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 Carro Family in Switzerland
The family name Carro has deep roots in the historical records of Switzerland, particularly within the city of Bern. By the early nineteenth century, the family was well-established in the region, appearing in official documents as early as 1813. The name itself is thought to be linked to the medieval occupation of a carter or someone who worked with carts and transport, which was a vital trade in the bustling markets of the Swiss cantons. As the family grew, they became integrated into the local civic life of Bern, contributing to the professional and social fabric of the city during a time of significant political change in Europe. Their presence in these early records highlights a history of steady migration and settlement that helped define their place in the Swiss landscape for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Carrus
Latin term for a four-wheeled wagon or cart.
This name
CarroOccupational surname for a carter, wagoner, or someone who transported goods by cart.
also spelled
Caro
Related arms
Carovariant spelling
Carreauvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Burgerarchiv Bern, Bürgerrodel der Stadt Bern
Staatsarchiv des Kantons Bern, Kirchenbücher der Stadt Bern
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
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
