Map of Switzerland showing where the Hirata arms are recorded
The Hirata 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 Hirata Family in Switzerland
The history of the Hirata family in Fribourg begins in the mid-eighteenth century, marking a unique chapter for a name with deep roots in Japanese history. While the name Hirata is traditionally associated with the samurai class and regional clans in Japan, its presence in the Swiss city of Fribourg by 1745 suggests a rare and intriguing migration pattern for that era. During the 1700s, Fribourg was a hub for trade and military service, often attracting individuals from across the globe who sought new opportunities in the heart of Europe. Early family members likely integrated into the local social structure by adapting to the customs and professional guilds of the region. This transition required the family to balance their distinct cultural heritage with the demands of life in a Swiss canton. By establishing themselves in Fribourg during this period, the family became part of the city’s diverse historical tapestry, leaving behind records that document their residency and contributions to the local community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hira
A Japanese term referring to flat, level, or even ground.
This name
HirataRefers to a person living on or near a flat, level field or plain.
also spelled
Hirter
Hirte
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives: Archives de l'État de Fribourg, Registres paroissiaux de la ville de Fribourg
Archives: Archives de l'État de Fribourg, Registres des habitants et bourgeois de la ville de Fribourg
Book: Andrey, Georges, Histoire de la Suisse pour les nuls, 2007
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
