A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hotz family of Switzerland.
Reg. 4999 · Swiss, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
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 deux croiss. adossés d'or, surm. d'une étoile du même et acc. en p. d'un tertre de sin. C.: trois pl. d'aut., une d'or entre deux d'azur. L. d'or et d'azur.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
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Map of Switzerland showing where the Hotz arms are recorded
The Hotz 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 Hotz Family in Switzerland
The family name Hotz is rooted in the Alemannic regions of German-speaking Europe, where it likely originated as a descriptive nickname. In the Middle Ages, names were often derived from personal traits or occupations, and the name Hotz is believed to be a shortened form of names like Hotzmann or Hozzo, which were common in the Swiss and southern German territories. By the mid-18th century, the family was well-established in the city of Bâle, which is known today as Basel. Records confirm that members of the Hotz family were active residents of this important trade hub by 1745. During this era, families in Bâle were often deeply involved in the city’s thriving textile industry, banking, or local governance. As citizens of a prominent Swiss city, the Hotz family would have been part of a structured society that valued craftsmanship and civic participation, helping to anchor the name within the region's long-standing historical narrative.
Hotz Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Hozzo
A Germanic pet form of names beginning with the element hug-.
This name
HotzA nickname for a person with a sharp, quick, or intelligent mind.
also spelled
Hotze
Hotts
Hotzz
Hots
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Müller, Josef, Schweizerisches Idiotikon: Wörterbuch der schweizerdeutschen Sprache, 1901
Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt, Bürgerverzeichnisse und Einwohnerregister
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
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
