A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gilliard family of Switzerland.
Reg. 1540 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Parti: au 1 coupé d'arg. sur or; l'or ch. d'un coeur de gu., duquel s'élève une croix tréflée du même, br. sur l'arg.; au 2 de gu. à la bande d'or, ch. de trois tourt. de gu. et acc. au canton sen. du chef d'une étoile (5) d'or.”
SwitzerlandFribourg, c. 1745
Where the Gilliard Arms Were Recorded
Fribourg
Map of Switzerland showing where the Gilliard arms are recorded
The Gilliard 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 Gilliard Family in Switzerland
The Gilliard family name has deep roots in the region of Fribourg, Switzerland, where records confirm their presence by the year 1745. The name is believed to be a variation of the ancient Germanic name Gerhard, which translates to a person who is brave with a spear. Over many generations, the spelling evolved as families moved through different French-speaking areas of Europe. By the mid-18th century, those living in Fribourg were often integrated into the local agricultural and artisanal communities. These early family members were part of a society that valued strong ties to the land and local parish life. As the family grew, they became a recognized part of the regional history, contributing to the development of the Fribourg area through their work and daily lives.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gille
A diminutive form of the Germanic name Giles or Aegidius.
This name
GilliardDerived from the Greek word for a young goat or shield bearer.
also spelled
Gillard
Jilyard
Related arms
Gillardvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives: Archives de l'État de Fribourg, Registres paroissiaux de la ville de Fribourg
Books: Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, 2002
Books: Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
