A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Felix family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8722 · Swiss, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur à trois étoiles d'or, rangées en chef, et trois fleurs-de-lis du même, rangées en p.”
SwitzerlandCoire, c. 1725
Where the Felix Arms Were Recorded
Coire
Map of Switzerland showing where the Felix arms are recorded
The Felix arms were recorded in Coire, 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 Felix Family in Switzerland
The surname Felix carries a deep history in Switzerland, rooted in the Latin word for lucky or successful. By the early 18th century, the family established a notable presence in the city of Coire, which is known today as Chur in the canton of Grisons. Records confirm that members of the Felix family were living and working in this region by 1725. During this era, Coire served as a vital crossroads for trade and politics in the Alpine valleys. Families like the Felix line often integrated into the local burgher class, contributing to the administrative and social life of the city. Their presence in this historic town reflects the broader movement of families who settled in the Swiss cantons to build stable lives amidst the changing landscapes of early modern Europe.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
millrind / fer de molineThe mill's iron, and the grinding of grain
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, gu. a cross or; 2nd and 3rd, az. a millrind of the second”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Felix Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Felix arms are recorded
The Felix arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Switzerland when the Felix 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 England.
Origin & History of the Felix Family in England
The surname Felix has deep roots in the Latin language, originating from the word for lucky or successful. While the name was used as a personal title in ancient Rome, it eventually evolved into a hereditary family name across Europe. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Felix family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religious history, and families living there often played active roles in the local merchant guilds or parish life. The presence of the name in such a prominent northern city suggests that these early ancestors were likely part of the growing middle class that helped shape English society during the seventeenth century. As the family moved through the generations, they carried this name from its classical origins into the fabric of daily life in Northern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
felix
Latin adjective meaning lucky, successful, or fruitful.
This name
FelixA surname derived from the Latin word for happy, fortunate, or prosperous.
also spelled
Fellix
Feelix
Felyx
Felyxe
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, 2002-2014
Staatsarchiv Graubünden, Bürgerrodel der Stadt Chur, 1725
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
cross symbolChristian faith and service
millrind / fer de molineThe mill's iron, and the grinding of grain
