A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Knauss family of Switzerland.
Reg. 1766 · Swiss, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
ramLeadership and authority
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 arbre de sin., accosté de deux béliers ramp. et affr. d'arg., accornés d'or, le tout soutenu d'un tertre de sin. C.: un arbre de sin., sur un tertre du même. L.: d'arg. et de gu.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
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Map of Switzerland showing where the Knauss arms are recorded
The Knauss 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 Knauss Family in Switzerland
The Knauss family name originates from the German-speaking regions of Europe, where it likely developed as a descriptive nickname or a reference to a specific trade. Historical records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of Bâle by 1745, a period when the region was a bustling hub for trade and craftsmanship. During this era, families often settled in urban centers like Bâle to participate in the growing guild systems that defined professional life. As the family moved throughout the German-speaking territories, they maintained their presence in local civic and church records, which helped preserve their identity over generations. By the mid-18th century, the Knauss name was firmly rooted in the social fabric of the region, reflecting the migration patterns and community ties common to families of that time.
Knauss Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Knuss
A Middle High German term referring to a crisp or crunchy bite.
This name
KnaussLikely a nickname for a person with a sharp, biting, or crisp personality.
also spelled
Knaus
Cnauss
Knausse
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, Die Geschichte der Stadt Basel, 2010
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
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
ramLeadership and authority
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
ramLeadership and authority
