A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Helfer family of Switzerland.
Reg. 4891 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
elephantGreat strength, wit and ambition
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“De gu. à un éléphant d'arg., pass. sur une terrasse de sin., houssé d'or et portant sur son dos une tour d'arg.”
SwitzerlandFribourg, c. 1745
Where the Helfer Arms Were Recorded
Fribourg
Map of Switzerland showing where the Helfer arms are recorded
The Helfer arms were recorded in Fribourg, 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 Helfer Family in Switzerland
The surname Helfer is rooted in the German language and is traditionally an occupational name derived from the word *Helfen*, which means to help. Historically, this name likely identified an individual who served as a helper or an assistant in a trade, a farm, or a community role. By the mid-eighteenth century, the Helfer family was firmly established in the Swiss canton of Fribourg. Records confirm their presence in this region by 1745, where they lived as part of a society deeply influenced by both Swiss traditions and the nearby French-speaking culture. During this era, families in Fribourg were often tied to specific parishes or agricultural guilds, and the Helfer name suggests a lineage of people who were valued for their contributions to the local workforce and their integration into the social fabric of the town.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Helfan
Old High German verb meaning to assist or provide aid.
This name
HelferAn occupational surname for a helper, assistant, or someone who provides aid to others.
also spelled
Helfer
Helpher
Helper
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives de l'État de Fribourg, Registres paroissiaux de la ville de Fribourg (1745)
Müller, Josef, Die Familiennamen des Kantons Freiburg, 1952
Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, Helfer (famille), 2008
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
elephantGreat strength, wit and ambition
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
elephantGreat strength, wit and ambition
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
