A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fontes family of Switzerland.
Reg. 4878 · Swiss, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“D'arg. à la fasce d'or, ch. de trois tulipes de gu., tigées et feuillées du même, et acc. au point du chef d'une étoile de sa., adextrée d'un croiss. cont. du même, et en p. d'une fontaine en forme de colonne de gu., s'élevant d'un bassin carré et déver-”
SwitzerlandValais, c. 1745
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Map of Switzerland showing where the Fontes arms are recorded
The Fontes 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 Fontes Family in Switzerland
The surname Fontes is derived from the Latin word "fontes," which means springs or fountains. This name was historically used to identify families who lived near a natural water source or a prominent well. In the context of the Valais region of Switzerland, where records confirm the family’s presence by 1745, the name likely served as a topographical marker for early ancestors who settled in the fertile valleys of the Alps. Because water was essential for both survival and agriculture in these mountainous areas, families living near a reliable spring often became central figures in their local communities. Over time, this descriptive label transitioned from a simple way to identify a person’s home into a permanent family name passed down through generations.
Fontes Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
fons
Latin term referring to a spring, fountain, or source of water.
This name
FontesDerived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a spring or fountain.
also spelled
Fonte
Font
Fontes
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives de l'État du Valais, Registres paroissiaux de l'ancien diocèse de Sion
Albert Dauzat, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France, 1951
Joseph-Marie Henry, Histoire du Valais, 1930
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
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
