A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Grater family of Switzerland.
Reg. 1796 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
otterOne who lives life to the full
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 sa. à la bande d'arg., ch. d'un castor courant au nat. C.: un demi-vol, coupé de sa. sur arg. L. d'arg. et de sa.”
SwitzerlandCoire, c. 1725
Where the Grater Arms Were Recorded
Coire
Map of Switzerland showing where the Grater arms are recorded
The Grater arms were recorded in Coire, c. 1725.
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 Grater Family in Switzerland
The family name Grater carries a history deeply rooted in the Alpine region of Switzerland. By the year 1725, records confirm that members of the family were well-established residents of Coire, which is the capital of the canton of Grisons and known today as Chur. During this period, the city served as a vital crossroads for trade and culture between the German-speaking lands and Italy. Families living in Coire at this time were often involved in the bustling mercantile life of the city or served in local administrative roles. The name itself likely evolved from occupational or descriptive roots common to the region, reflecting the linguistic blend of the area. As the family navigated life in this historic mountain city, they became part of the enduring social fabric that defined the growth of the Grisons region throughout the eighteenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Grat
A ridge, mountain crest, or steep edge of a mountain.
This name
GraterA topographic name for someone who lived on or near a mountain ridge.
also spelled
Graete
Grater
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Staatsarchiv Graubünden, Kirchenbücher der Stadt Chur (Church records of the city of Chur)
Stadtarchiv Chur, Bürgerrodel der Stadt Chur (Citizenship registers of the city of Chur)
Florian Hitz, Chur: Eine Stadt im Wandel (2015)
Martin Bundi, Die rätischen Alpen in der Geschichte (1998)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
otterOne who lives life to the full
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
otterOne who lives life to the full
