A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Geiling family of Switzerland.
Reg. 4014 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
ladderAmbition, and a fearless assault
Colours
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'or à une échelle de quatre échelons de sa., posée en fasce, supp. un tertre de trois coupeaux de sin., et acc. d'un tertre pareil, mouv. de la p. C.: un homme iss., hab. d'un parti, à sen. de sa. et à dextre reparti d'or et de sin., les manches de sa. rebr. d'or, au rabat du même, coiffé d'un bonnet albanais d'azur retr. d'or, tenant de sa main dextre un sceptre d'or, la sen. appuyée sur sa hanche. L. d'or et de sa.”
SwitzerlandWinterthur, c. 1725
Where the Geiling Arms Were Recorded
Winterthur
Map of Switzerland showing where the Geiling arms are recorded
The Geiling arms were recorded in Winterthur, c. 1725.
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 Geiling Family in Switzerland
The family name Geiling has deep roots in the German-speaking regions of Europe, with specific historical ties to the city of Winterthur in Switzerland. By the year 1725, records confirm that members of the Geiling family were already established residents in this area. The name itself is likely derived from an old Germanic personal name, which was a common way for surnames to form during the Middle Ages. Families often settled in growing trade centers like Winterthur because these cities offered better opportunities for craftspeople and merchants. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the daily life and economy of the region for generations. This long presence in the city suggests that the Geiling family was well-integrated into the local community long before modern record-keeping became standard.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gail
Derived from the Old High German word for cheerful or lively.
This name
GeilingA patronymic surname indicating a descendant of someone who was cheerful or high-spirited.
also spelled
Geilingere
Geilingerr
Geiling
Gilinger
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Stadtarchiv Winterthur, Bürgerrodel der Stadt Winterthur
Leu, Hans Jakob, Allgemeines helvetisches, eydgenössisches, oder schweitzerisches Lexicon, 1747
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
ladderAmbition, and a fearless assault
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
ladderAmbition, and a fearless assault
