A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Lainhart family of Switzerland.
Reg. 1725 · Swiss, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 la bande ondée d'arg., supp. une croix latine du même, et acc. de deux étoiles aussi d'arg. C.: un buste de garçon, la tête tort., hab. au nat.”
SwitzerlandBerne, c. 1745
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Switzerland showing where the Lainhart arms are recorded
The Lainhart arms were recorded in Berne, 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 Lainhart Family in Switzerland
The family name Lainhart traces its roots to the German-speaking regions of Europe, where it functioned as a patronymic surname derived from the given name Leonhard. This name combines the Germanic words for lion and brave, suggesting that early ancestors were known for their strength or courage. By 1745, records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of Berne. During this period, families in the region were often deeply involved in local trade, agriculture, or civic administration. As the family moved and grew, the spelling of the name shifted to adapt to different languages and regional dialects. These early generations were part of a larger movement of people who maintained strong community ties through church records and local government registries, which helped preserve their identity as they eventually migrated toward new opportunities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Leonhard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning lion and brave or hardy.
This name
LainhartA surname signifying a descendant of someone who possessed the strength and courage of a lion.
also spelled
Lienhard
Lyenhart
Leenhart
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, Leonhard, 2008
Staatsarchiv des Kantons Bern, Kirchenbücher der Stadt Bern, 1745
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon, 1967
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
