Map of Switzerland showing where the Gendreau arms are recorded
The Gendreau arms were recorded in Fribourg, 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 Gendreau Family in Switzerland
The Gendreau family name is rooted in the French language and is traditionally derived from the word *gendre*, which means son-in-law. During the eighteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the region of Fribourg, Switzerland. Records confirm that members of the Gendreau family were living in this area by 1745, likely working within the agricultural or trade sectors that defined the local economy at the time. As the family grew, they became integrated into the social and civic life of the Fribourg canton. Their history reflects the broader movement of families across European borders during this period, as individuals sought new opportunities for land and community stability. By maintaining their name through generations, the Gendreau family helped preserve a distinct linguistic and cultural identity that remains connected to their Swiss origins.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gendre
Old French term for son-in-law or a relative by marriage.
This name
GendreauA locative or occupational surname originally denoting a son-in-law or a member of an extended family unit.
also spelled
Gendre-de
Gendre-le
Gendree
Zhandr
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
State Archives of Fribourg, Registres paroissiaux de la ville de Fribourg, 1745
Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse (DHS), 2002
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
