A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Folly family of Switzerland.
Reg. 7018 · Swiss, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à deux équerres d'or, passées en saut., acc. en chef d'un croiss. du même et en p. d'un oiseau d'arg., posé sur un tertre de trois coupeaux de sin.”
SwitzerlandFribourg, c. 1745
Where the Folly Arms Were Recorded
Fribourg
Map of Switzerland showing where the Folly arms are recorded
The Folly arms were recorded in Fribourg, 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 Folly Family in Switzerland
The Folly family name has deep roots in the Swiss canton of Fribourg, where records confirm their presence as early as 1745. During the eighteenth century, families in this region were often deeply integrated into the local agricultural and civic life of the Alpine foothills. The name itself likely evolved from regional linguistic patterns, possibly relating to specific geographic features or nicknames common in the French-speaking districts of the area. As the family established themselves in Fribourg, they became part of the steady social fabric that defined small Swiss communities during the Enlightenment era. By settling in this historic city, the Folly family participated in the long-standing traditions of Swiss citizenship and local governance that characterized the region throughout the late 1700s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
folie
Old French term for madness, folly, or a foolish action.
This name
FollyA topographic name for someone living near a patch of land or a dwelling associated with foolishness.
also spelled
Follie
Follye
Follys
Folee
Related arms
Winklersimilar arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives: Archives de l'État de Fribourg, Registres paroissiaux de la ville de Fribourg
Book: Kuenlin, Franz, Dictionnaire géographique, statistique et historique du canton de Fribourg, 1832
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
