A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Frei family of Switzerland.
Reg. 0738 · Swiss, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
bordureA difference between branches of one family
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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'azur bordé d'or, l'azur ch. d'une aigle cont. de sa., soutenue d'un tertre de trois coupeaux de sin. (ledit tertre br. sur la bordure) et fixant un soleil d'or, mouv. du canton sen. du chef. C.: une aigle cont. de sa. L. de sa. et d'or.”
SwitzerlandWinterthur Zurich, c. 1745
Where the Frei Arms Were Recorded
Winterthur
Map of Switzerland showing where the Frei arms are recorded
The Frei arms were recorded in Winterthur Zurich, 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 Frei Family in Switzerland
The surname Frei is a classic German name that carries the literal meaning of free or exempt. In the Middle Ages, this title was often given to individuals who were not bound by serfdom or those who held special privileges within their community. By the time your ancestors were established in Winterthur in 1745, the name had long been used to identify families who maintained a level of independence in their local society. During the eighteenth century, Winterthur was a growing center for trade and craftsmanship, and families like yours were often deeply integrated into the civic life of the city. These early members of the Frei family likely worked as skilled tradespeople or merchants, contributing to the economic stability that defined the region during that era. Over generations, the name became a permanent fixture in the local records, marking the family as a foundational part of the community’s long history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
frijaz
Proto-Germanic term denoting someone who is beloved or free.
This name
FreiRefers to a person who held the status of a free man or citizen.
also spelled
Frey
Fry
Related arms
Freyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Ziegler, Werner, Winterthur: Eine Stadtgeschichte, 2014
Stadtarchiv Winterthur, Bürgerrodel der Stadt Winterthur
Staatsarchiv des Kantons Zürich, Kirchenbücher der Stadt Winterthur
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
bordureA difference between branches of one family
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
bordureA difference between branches of one family
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
