A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Guerry family of Switzerland.
Reg. 8954 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“D'azur à une couronne d'or, acc. de quatre bes. d'arg., 3 rangés en chef et 1 en p.”
SwitzerlandLausanne, c. 1725
Where the Guerry Arms Were Recorded
Lausanne
Map of Switzerland showing where the Guerry arms are recorded
The Guerry arms were recorded in Lausanne, 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 Guerry Family in Switzerland
The family name Guerry has deep roots in the French-speaking regions of Switzerland, particularly within the city of Lausanne. By the year 1725, records confirm that members of the Guerry family were already established residents in this historic lakeside community. The name itself is thought to be derived from ancient Germanic roots, likely linked to the Old High German word "warjan," which means to protect or to defend. Over many generations, the family became integrated into the local social and economic life of the Vaud region. As citizens of Lausanne, they lived through a period of significant political change as the area transitioned under the influence of the Bernese authorities. Their presence in the city during the early 18th century suggests they were part of the stable middle class that helped shape the local culture and trade of the time.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ger
An ancient Germanic term referring to a spear or lance.
This name
GuerryDerived from a nickname for a spearman or a warrior.
also spelled
Gery
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives cantonales vaudoises, État civil et registres paroissiaux de Lausanne
Archives de la Ville de Lausanne, Registres des habitants et bourgeois
Godet, Marcel, Dictionnaire historique et biographique de la Suisse, 1926
Meylan, Henri, Histoire de Lausanne, 1975
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
