Christmann Coat of Arms Record & History

A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Christmann family lines. Documented in 2 countries.

Reg. 5532 · Swiss, A–C

Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details

Symbols on this shield

swanGrace, light and the poet's art

mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above

Colours

Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth

Gold (Or)Means: Generosity

Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity

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 cygne d'arg., bq. et m. d'or, le vol levé, surm. d'une étoile d'or; à la bord. du même. C.: un agneau pascal pass. d'arg. avec sa banderole. L.: à dextre d'or et d'azur, à sen. d'arg. et d'azur.”

SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745

Where the Christmann Arms Were Recorded

Bâle

Map of Switzerland showing where the Christmann arms are recorded

The Christmann 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.

Region: Bâle
Town: Bâle
First recorded: 1745

Granting Authority for the Christmann Arms

Authority

Cantonal and civic registers

14th century onwards

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 Christmann Family in Switzerland

The surname Christmann has deep roots in the German-speaking regions of Europe, functioning as a descriptive name that historically identified a devout individual or a person who played the role of Christ in local religious mystery plays. By the time the family established a documented presence in Basel in 1745, Switzerland was a hub of trade and craftsmanship that attracted many families seeking stability. During this era, the Christmann family likely integrated into the urban fabric of Basel as skilled artisans or merchants, contributing to the city's reputation as a center for printing and silk manufacturing. Because Basel served as a crossroads between Switzerland, France, and Germany, the family name reflects the fluid movement of people across borders during the eighteenth century. Their presence in the city records suggests they were part of a growing middle class that helped shape the social and economic character of the region during a time of significant transition.

Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details

Symbols on this shield

mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it

cross symbolChristian faith and service

knightChivalry and service in arms

Colours

Red (Gules)Means: Military strength

Green (Vert)Means: Hope

Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth

Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity

Historical info

Source

J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87

Blazon (the actual original written record)

“De gu. à un chevalier, arm. de toutes pièces d'azur, posé sur un tertre d'arg., la visière levée, tenant de sa main dextre une épée et de sa sen. un bouclier d'arg. ch. d'une croix du champ. Cq. cour. C.: le chevalier, iss.”

AustriaKitzbühl Tirol, c. 1772

Where the Christmann Arms Were Recorded

Kitzbühl

Map of Austria showing where the Christmann arms are recorded

The Christmann arms were recorded in Kitzbühl Tirol, c. 1772.

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.

Region: Kitzbühl
Town: Kitzbühl Tirol
First recorded: 1772

Granting Authority for the Christmann Arms

Authority

Imperial and Royal chancery

1453-1918

The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.

Sovereign of the period

Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor

1765–1790

Reigning in Switzerland when the Christmann arms are first recorded.

How Arms Worked in Austria

Austrian coats of arms were often linked directly to noble titles granted by the Emperor. These symbols belonged to the entire family line rather than just one individual. When a family grew, new branches kept the original design without needing to change it. This system allowed all members of a noble house to share the same identity across many generations.

Granting authority: The Imperial and Royal chancery managed all heraldic matters and controlled the official granting of arms throughout the Austrian lands.
How they got arms: Families typically received their arms through a formal imperial decree that often accompanied the elevation of a person to noble status.
Where arms were recorded: Official records of these grants were kept in the Imperial Register of Nobility which began its formal documentation process in 1453.
The family's standing: Recorded among the armigerous families of Austria.

Origin & History of the Christmann Family in Austria

The surname Christmann is rooted in the deep cultural and religious traditions of the German-speaking world, functioning originally as a descriptive name for a devout follower of the Christian faith. In the mountainous region of Tyrol, the family established a notable presence by the late eighteenth century, with documented records confirming their residence in the town of Kitzbühel by 1772. During this period, Kitzbühel was a thriving center for mining and trade, attracting families who sought stability in the shadow of the Alps. The Christmanns likely integrated into the local community as skilled laborers or tradespeople, contributing to the steady development of this historic market town. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the region, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement that defined life in the Austrian provinces during the late Enlightenment era.