A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the des Prés family of Switzerland.
Reg. 4957 · Swiss, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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'arg. à trois fasces d'azur, acc. en p. d'un tertre de trois coupeaux de sin.”
SwitzerlandValais, c. 1745
Where the des Prés Arms Were Recorded
Valais
Map of Switzerland showing where the des Prés arms are recorded
The des Prés arms were recorded in Valais, 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 des Prés Family in Switzerland
The surname des Prés is a topographic name of French origin, meaning "of the meadows." It was historically used to identify families who lived near or worked on grassy fields or pasture lands. By 1745, records confirm that members of the des Prés family were established in the Valais region of Switzerland. During this period, the family likely integrated into the local alpine agricultural society, where land ownership and proximity to fertile meadows were central to daily life and economic survival. As they settled in the rugged landscape of the Swiss Alps, the name served as a practical way to distinguish their household from others in the community. Over generations, the family became a part of the local social fabric, contributing to the development of the region through their involvement in mountain farming and village life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
pratum
Latin term referring to a meadow or field.
This name
des PrésIndicates a person who lived near or worked in a meadow.
also spelled
Depres
day Pray
Depre
Despre
Related arms
Desprezvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Archives de l'État du Valais, Registres paroissiaux de l'ancien diocèse de Sion
Archives de l'État du Valais, Fonds des familles valaisannes
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
