A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Halter family of Switzerland.
Reg. 1556 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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 un tertre de sin., sommé”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
Where the Halter Arms Were Recorded
Bâle
Map of Switzerland showing where the Halter arms are recorded
The Halter 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 Halter Family in Switzerland
The surname Halter is a classic occupational name that likely originated in the German-speaking regions of Europe during the Middle Ages. In its original context, the word referred to a person who made or sold halters, which were the headstalls used to lead or restrain horses and cattle. Because livestock management was essential to the economy of the time, individuals who provided these leather goods were vital members of their local communities. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had established a documented presence in the city of Bâle, now known as Basel, Switzerland. Records from 1745 confirm that members of the Halter family were active residents in this region, where they likely contributed to the city’s long tradition of trade and craftsmanship. Over time, the name became firmly rooted in the local population, reflecting the transition from a descriptive job title to a permanent family identity passed down through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Halte
Old High German term referring to a handle, grip, or holder.
This name
HalterAn occupational surname for a person who held or managed land, or a maker of handles.
also spelled
Haltier
Halther
Haltre
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Brechenmacher, Josef Karlmann. Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Familiennamen. 1957
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich. 1903
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
