A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the de Rham family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 9618 · Swiss, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
horseReadiness to serve king and country
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 une tête et col de cheval d'arg., iss. d'une couronne d'or. C.: une étoile d'or, surm. d'une couronne du même; entre deux prob. d'arg.”
SwitzerlandYverdon, c. 1725
Where the de Rham Arms Were Recorded
Yverdon
Map of Switzerland showing where the de Rham arms are recorded
The de Rham arms were recorded in Yverdon, c. 1725.
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 de Rham Family in Switzerland
The de Rham family established a significant presence in the Swiss town of Yverdon by the early 18th century, with records confirming their residency there by 1725. The name itself is believed to have roots in the German-speaking regions of Europe before the family integrated into the French-speaking culture of the Vaud region. Over time, members of the family became deeply involved in the social and political fabric of their new home. They transitioned from being newcomers to becoming influential citizens who participated in the local administration and professional life of the area. By settling in Yverdon, the family secured a firm foundation that allowed them to expand their influence across Switzerland throughout the following centuries. Their history serves as a clear example of how families migrated across linguistic borders to build lasting legacies in Swiss society.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Az. a buck's head cabossed or”
NorfolkWest Derham · Norfolk, c. 1738
Where the de Rham Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the de Rham arms are recorded
The de Rham arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1738.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 England in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Switzerland when the de Rham arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Norfolk.
Origin & History of the de Rham Family in England
The family name de Rham first appears in the historical records of Norfolk, England, during the mid-eighteenth century. While the name carries strong linguistic ties to continental Europe, its presence in East Anglia by 1738 suggests a period of migration and integration into the local English community. During this era, Norfolk was a bustling hub for trade and agriculture, making it a common destination for families arriving from abroad. Early members of the family likely navigated the social and economic shifts of the Georgian period as they established themselves in their new home. By settling in this region, the family became part of the diverse demographic landscape that defined the English countryside long before the industrial changes of the following century. Their transition into English life reflects the broader movement of families who sought new opportunities across the North Sea, leaving behind a legacy that remains rooted in the local history of Norfolk.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Az. three stags' heads cabossed or”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the de Rham Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the de Rham arms are recorded
The de Rham arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Switzerland when the de Rham arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the de Rham Family in Ireland
The history of the de Rham family in Ireland begins in the mid-seventeenth century, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval. Records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1645, likely arriving as part of the broader movement of continental European families seeking new opportunities or refuge during a time of religious and economic change. While the name carries roots that suggest a connection to the French-speaking regions of Europe, the family quickly integrated into the urban landscape of Dublin. By settling in the capital, they became part of the city's growing merchant and professional classes. Their presence in the city during the 1640s places them in the middle of a transformative era for Ireland, as the family navigated the complexities of life in a bustling port city that served as a gateway for trade and cultural exchange between Ireland and the rest of Europe.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ram
A male sheep or a person with the characteristics of a ram.
This name
de RhamA topographic name for someone living near a place frequented by rams.
also spelled
Derram
Dereham
de Ram
Durham
Deram
Related arms
Derehamvariant spelling
Dearhamvariant spelling
Deramvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Ansart, Gilbert, Dictionnaire historique, géographique et statistique du Canton de Vaud, 1854
Archives cantonales vaudoises, Fonds de la famille de Rham, Series P 102
Godet, Marcel, Dictionnaire historique et biographique de la Suisse, 1930
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
horseReadiness to serve king and country
horseReadiness to serve king and country
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
