A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gachnang family of Switzerland.
Reg. 3340 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 une licorne ramp. de gu. C.: la licorne, iss., ornée le long du dos d'une crête de cinq angles d'arg., chaque angle orné d'une plume de paon au nat.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
Where the Gachnang Arms Were Recorded
Bâle
Map of Switzerland showing where the Gachnang arms are recorded
The Gachnang 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 Gachnang Family in Switzerland
The Gachnang family name originates from the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, specifically tracing its roots to the village of Gachnang in the canton of Thurgau. During the eighteenth century, members of the family began to move away from their ancestral village to seek new opportunities in larger urban centers. By 1745, records confirm that the family had established a presence in the city of Basel. At this time, Basel was a thriving hub for trade and craftsmanship, which likely attracted families looking to improve their social and economic standing. As the family settled into this new environment, they integrated into the local community while maintaining the identity associated with their place of origin. This migration pattern reflects the broader movement of Swiss families during the Enlightenment era as they transitioned from rural agricultural life toward the growing industries of the city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gach
Derived from the Middle High German word for quick or agile.
This name
GachnangRefers to a person who originated from a place associated with an agile or swift individual.
also spelled
Gachnank
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, Gachnang (Gemeinde), 2005
Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt, Bürgerverzeichnisse und Einwohnerregister, 1745
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unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
