A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Diethelm family of Switzerland.
Reg. 1356 · Swiss, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 d'or à l'aigle de sa.; au 2 de gu. à deux chev. renv. d'arg. Cq. cour. C.: l'aigle. L.: à dextre d'or et de sa., à sen. d'arg. et de gu.”
SwitzerlandRappersweil, c. 1725
Where the Diethelm Arms Were Recorded
Rappersweil
Map of Switzerland showing where the Diethelm arms are recorded
The Diethelm arms were recorded in Rappersweil, 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 Diethelm Family in Switzerland
The name Diethelm is rooted in the Germanic languages, combining the words for "people" and "noble protector" to signify a leader or guardian of the community. By the early 18th century, the family was firmly established in the town of Rapperswil, located along the shores of Lake Zurich in Switzerland. During this period, the Diethelm family played an active role in the local social and economic life of the town. As residents of a prominent lakeside trade hub, members of the family were often integrated into the craft guilds and civic organizations that governed daily affairs. Their presence in the historical records of 1725 reflects a stable lineage that had likely resided in the region for generations, contributing to the development of the local community through agriculture, trade, and civic service.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Diet-helm
Derived from the Germanic elements for people and protective helmet.
This name
DiethelmA protector of the people or a helmeted guardian of the tribe.
also spelled
Diethelme
Ditelm
Dietelme
Deethelm
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Henggeler, Rudolf. Die Bürger von Rapperswil. 1957
Zwicky, Joseph. Geschichte der Stadt Rapperswil. 1927
Stadtarchiv Rapperswil-Jona, Bürgerrodel der Stadt Rapperswil
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
