A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fassnacht family of Switzerland.
Reg. 6110 · Swiss, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“De gu. à un vautour ess. d'arg., tenant en son bec une bague d'or et posé sur une terrasse rocheuse du même. C.: le vautour.”
SwitzerlandBerne, c. 1745
Where the Fassnacht Arms Were Recorded
Berne
Map of Switzerland showing where the Fassnacht arms are recorded
The Fassnacht arms were recorded in Berne, 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 Fassnacht Family in Switzerland
The surname Fassnacht originates from the German-speaking regions of Europe and is deeply connected to the cultural traditions of the pre-Lenten season. The name itself is derived from the Middle High German term *vastnaht*, which refers to the night before the fasting period of Lent, known in English as Shrove Tuesday. It is likely that the first people to carry this name were either born during this festive time or were known for their active participation in the community celebrations that preceded the solemn days of fasting. By the year 1745, records confirm that members of the Fassnacht family were firmly established in the city of Berne, Switzerland. During this era, families in the region were often deeply involved in local trade and civic life, contributing to the growth of the Swiss cantons through their roles as skilled craftsmen and community members.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fastnacht
The eve of the beginning of the Lenten fasting period.
This name
FassnachtRefers to a person born during or associated with the pre-Lenten carnival season.
also spelled
Fasnacht
Fassnach
Fasnakt
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Brechenmacher, Josef Karlmann. Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Familiennamen. 1957
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich. 1903
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
