A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gallatin family of Switzerland.
Reg. 3131 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 la fasce d'arg., acc. de trois bes. d'or.”
SwitzerlandGenève, c. 1745
Where the Gallatin Arms Were Recorded
Genève
Map of Switzerland showing where the Gallatin arms are recorded
The Gallatin arms were recorded in Genève, 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 Gallatin Family in Switzerland
The Gallatin family name traces its roots back to the northern regions of Italy before becoming firmly established in the city of Geneva. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had become a prominent fixture in Genevan society, deeply involved in the political and intellectual life of the republic. Members of the family were recognized as citizens of Geneva by 1745, a status that allowed them to participate in the governing councils of the city. Their influence grew as they integrated into the local merchant and banking classes, eventually leading to their involvement in international affairs. The name itself reflects a long history of migration and social advancement, marking the family as a significant part of the historical landscape of Switzerland during the Enlightenment era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gala
Old French term for festive, merry, or gala.
This name
GallatinA topographical name for someone who lived near a festive or joyous place.
also spelled
Gallatyn
Galatin
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Adams, Henry, The Life of Albert Gallatin, 1879
Borgeaud, Charles, Histoire de l'Université de Genève, 1900
Gallatin, Albert, The Writings of Albert Gallatin, 1879
Archives d'État de Genève, Registres du Conseil
Archives d'État de Genève, État civil et registres paroissiaux
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
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
