A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hörler family of Switzerland.
Reg. 0379 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
leafHappiness and abundance
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“D'azur à un chicot au nat., posé en fasce, poussant vers le chef une feuille de tilleul de sin. et soutenu d'un tertre du même; le tout acc. en chef de deux étoiles (5) d'or. C.: un bras, paré d'azur, rebr. d'or, tenant une feuille de tilleul de sin. par la tige. L. d'or et d'azur.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
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Map of Switzerland showing where the Hörler arms are recorded
The Hörler 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 Hörler Family in Switzerland
The family name Hörler is deeply rooted in the German-speaking regions of Europe, with historical records confirming the family’s presence in the city of Basel by 1745. The name itself is likely topographical or occupational in origin, often derived from the Middle High German word "hor," which refers to muddy or swampy ground. This suggests that the earliest ancestors may have lived near such terrain or worked on land that required specific drainage. By the mid-18th century, members of the Hörler family were well-established in the urban life of Basel, participating in the city's vibrant trade and guild systems. As the family grew, they integrated into the local community, contributing to the social and economic development of the region during a period of significant transition in Swiss history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hor
A Middle High German term referring to mud, mire, or swampy ground.
This name
HörlerA topographic surname for someone who lived near a muddy or swampy area.
also spelled
Hoerler
Herler
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt, Bürgerverzeichnisse der Stadt Basel
Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, Familiennamenbuch der Schweiz, 1989
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
leafHappiness and abundance
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
leafHappiness and abundance
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
