Map of Switzerland showing where the Friedman arms are recorded
The Friedman arms were recorded in Bâle, 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 Friedman Family in Switzerland
The surname Friedman is a German and Yiddish name that translates literally to "man of peace." It originated as a descriptive occupational or personal name, often given to individuals known for their calm temperament or their role as a mediator within their community. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Bâle, which is known today as Basel, Switzerland. Records from 1745 confirm that members of the family were living and working in this region, which served as a major crossroads for trade and culture in Europe. During this period, families with this name were often integrated into the urban fabric of the city, contributing to the local economy and social life while maintaining their distinct cultural identity. As the family grew, they moved through various parts of the German-speaking world, carrying the name as a reflection of their heritage and the values held by their ancestors.
Friedman Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Fried
Derived from the Germanic word for peace or friend.
This name
FriedmanA topographic or occupational name denoting a peaceful man or a friend.
also spelled
Friedman
Friedmann
Freedmanoo
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
Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt, Bürgerverzeichnisse und Einwohnerregister der Stadt Basel, 1745
Gottschald, Max, Deutsche Namenkunde: Unsere Familiennamen, 1954
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
lambGentleness, patience and faith
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lambGentleness, patience and faith
