A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Haas family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 0544 · German, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 de gu. à une licorne ramp. d'arg., soutenue d'une terrasse de sin.; au 2 de sa. au chev. parti de gu. et d'arg., acc. de trois fleurs-de-lis d'arg.; au 3 de sa. au chev. parti d'arg. et de gu., acc. de trois fleurs-de-lis d'arg. Cq. cour. C.: la licorne ramp.; entre un vol coupé, à dextre de gu. sur arg., à sen. d'or sur sa. L. conformes aux émaux du vol.”
BavariaBavaria, c. 1627
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Map of Germany showing where the Haas arms are recorded
The Haas arms were recorded in Bavaria, c. 1627.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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 Germany in this period.
Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor
1619–1637
Reigning in Germany when the Haas arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Bavaria.
Origin & History of the Haas Family in Germany
The surname Haas is a classic example of a German occupational or descriptive name that emerged during the Middle Ages. The word itself translates to hare, and it was likely used as a nickname for a person who was known for being particularly quick or timid. By the time historical records confirm the presence of the Haas family in Bavaria in 1627, the name had already been established across various German-speaking regions for centuries. During this era, families often lived in small, tight-knit rural communities where such nicknames became permanent identifiers passed down through generations. The 17th century was a difficult period in Bavaria due to the ongoing turmoil of the Thirty Years' War, which forced many families to focus on agricultural survival and local trade. As the family settled into these Bavarian lands, the name Haas became a fixed part of their identity, linking them to a long tradition of German naming customs that prioritized personal traits and local roles within the community.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
rabbitOne who lives peaceably and well
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Bandé de sa. et d'or; au chef d'azur, ch. d'un lièvre courant au nat. C.: deux prob. coupées, à dextre de sa. sur or, à sen. d'or sur azur. L. conformes aux émaux des prob.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Switzerland showing where the Haas arms are recorded
The Haas arms were recorded in Bâle, 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 Haas Family in Switzerland
The surname Haas is deeply rooted in the German-speaking regions of Europe, where it originally functioned as a descriptive nickname derived from the Middle High German word for a hare. In the context of Switzerland, the name gained prominence in the city of Basel, a major center for trade and printing during the eighteenth century. By 1745, records confirm that members of the Haas family were well-established residents of this influential city. During this period, Basel was a hub of intellectual and economic growth, and families like the Haas line often participated in the city's vibrant guild system. These early ancestors likely integrated into the local urban culture by contributing to the specialized crafts and commerce that defined the region. Their presence in the city archives during the mid-1700s reflects a time when the family had successfully transitioned from rural origins to becoming recognized members of the Swiss urban middle class.
Haas Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Hase
A Germanic term referring to the animal known as a hare.
This name
HaasA nickname originally given to a person who was fast, timid, or resembled a hare.
also spelled
Has
Related arms
Huygenssimilar arms
Mullersimilar arms
Haesvariant spelling
Hasvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
rabbitOne who lives peaceably and well
