A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hok family of Switzerland.
Reg. 2685 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 sa. à une tour carrée d'arg., ouv. et aj. de sa., couverte d'un toit pointu de gu., ayant trois tourelles d'arg. couvertes de gu. aux angles de la tour; le tout sommé d'une tourelle pareille; ladite tour posée sur un tertre de gu. C.: une cigogne d'arg., bq. et m. de gu., le vol ouv. et abaissé. L. d'arg. et de sa.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
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Map of Switzerland showing where the Hok arms are recorded
The Hok 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 Hok Family in Switzerland
The Hok family name has deep roots in the city of Bâle, which is known today as Basel, Switzerland. By the year 1745, members of the family were already established residents within this historic urban center. During the eighteenth century, Bâle was a thriving hub for trade and craftsmanship, positioned strategically along the Rhine River. Families living in the city at this time often participated in the local guild system, which organized workers by their specific trades and provided a structure for social and political life. The presence of the Hok family in these records suggests they were integrated into the professional and civic fabric of the city during a period of significant growth and cultural change. As residents of a major Swiss crossroads, early family members likely navigated a society shaped by both German and French influences, contributing to the local economy and the unique character of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hocke
A Middle High German term for a hook or curved tool.
This name
HokAn occupational surname for a person who worked with hooks or a nickname for a bent individual.
also spelled
Hoche
Hock
Hoach
Hok
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt, Bürgerverzeichnisse und Einwohnerregister der Stadt Basel
Burckhardt, August, Die Bürger von Basel, 1940
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
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
