Map of Switzerland showing where the Gerrity arms are recorded
The Gerrity 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 Gerrity Family in Switzerland
The family name Gerrity carries a deep history rooted in the mountainous landscapes of Europe. While the name is often associated with Irish origins, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in the Valais region of Switzerland by 1745. During this period, families in the Valais were often defined by their connection to the rugged Alpine terrain and the local agricultural traditions of the Rhône Valley. Life in this region required great resilience, as families navigated the challenges of high-altitude farming and the complex political shifts of the Swiss cantons. The presence of the Gerrity name in these early church and civil registers suggests that the family was well-integrated into the local community, likely contributing to the distinct cultural identity that has defined the Valais for centuries. By tracing these early roots, one can see how the family name became a part of the enduring social fabric of the region long before modern migration patterns spread the name across the globe.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gerhard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning spear and hardy or brave.
This name
GerrityA patronymic form indicating a descendant of a brave spear 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 de l'Ancien Régime
Archives de l'État du Valais, Recensement des habitants du Valais
Altermatt, Urs, Die Schweizer und ihre Geschichte, 2002
Dubuis, Pierre, Une société rurale face au changement: le Valais au bas Moyen Âge et à l'époque moderne, 1990
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
