A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Grandjean family of Switzerland.
Reg. 0971 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
keyGuardianship, and the office of a steward
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. à une clé d'arg., en pal, le panneton en haut et à sen., accostée de deux étoiles (5) du sec.”
SwitzerlandNeufchâtel, c. 1745
Where the Grandjean Arms Were Recorded
Neufchâtel
Map of Switzerland showing where the Grandjean arms are recorded
The Grandjean arms were recorded in Neufchâtel, 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 Grandjean Family in Switzerland
The surname Grandjean originated in the French-speaking regions of Europe, functioning as a descriptive name that combines the words "grand," meaning large or tall, and "Jean," the French equivalent of John. It was historically used to distinguish between two men named John living in the same community, specifically identifying the taller or older individual. By 1745, records confirm that members of the Grandjean family were well-established in Neufchâtel, a region known for its strong ties to the watchmaking industry and agricultural trade. Families in this area often lived in close-knit mountain communities where they balanced farming with skilled craftsmanship. Over time, the name became a permanent fixture in the local population, reflecting the deep roots and steady growth of the family within the Swiss Jura mountains.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Johannes
Hebrew origin meaning God is gracious.
This name
GrandjeanA diminutive form meaning big John, often used to distinguish between two people named John.
also spelled
Grandjeann
Grandjann
Grandjen
Grandjon
Grandjan
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
Archives de l'État de Neuchâtel, Registres paroissiaux de Neuchâtel, 1745
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
keyGuardianship, and the office of a steward
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
keyGuardianship, and the office of a steward
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
