A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Geraty family of Switzerland.
Reg. 0710 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
acornAntiquity and strength from small beginnings
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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'arg. à un arbre arr. de sin., fûté d'or, et deux glands du même suspendus au feuillage, à dextre et à sen.”
SwitzerlandValais, c. 1745
Where the Geraty Arms Were Recorded
Valais
Map of Switzerland showing where the Geraty arms are recorded
The Geraty arms were recorded in Valais, 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 Geraty Family in Switzerland
The family name Geraty has deep roots in the mountainous region of Valais, Switzerland, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1745. During this period, the Valais region was a collection of independent mountain communities governed by the Republic of the Seven Tithings. Families like the Geratys often lived in small, isolated villages where they relied on alpine farming and cattle herding to survive the harsh winters. Because Valais was a crossroads for trade routes through the high mountain passes, the family likely interacted with travelers moving between Italy and the northern regions of Europe. Over time, the name became tied to the local traditions and the unique dialect of the area. These early ancestors were part of a resilient society that valued community cooperation and local independence in the challenging landscape of the Swiss Alps.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gerard
Derived from the Germanic elements meaning spear and brave or hardy.
This name
GeratyA patronymic form indicating a descendant of someone named Gerard, signifying a spear-wielding warrior.
also spelled
Guerratie
Geraty
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives de l’État du Valais, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
Archives de l’État du Valais, Fonds des familles valaisannes
Escher, Hermann, Die Statuten der sieben Zehnden des Wallis, 1890
Gilliard, Charles, Histoire de la Suisse, 1955
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
acornAntiquity and strength from small beginnings
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
acornAntiquity and strength from small beginnings
