A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Lichty family of Switzerland.
Reg. 3419 · Swiss, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“De gu. à trois étoiles malordonnées d'or, acc. en p. d'un tertre de trois coupeaux de sin. C.: un homme iss., hab. d'un parti d'or et de gu., rebr. de l'un à l'autre, au rabat de l'un en l'autre, tenant de sa main dextre un bâton de gu. et de sa sen. une étoile d'or. L.: d'or et de gu.”
SwitzerlandWinterthur, c. 1725
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Map of Switzerland showing where the Lichty arms are recorded
The Lichty arms were recorded in Winterthur, c. 1725.
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 Lichty Family in Switzerland
The family name Lichty is rooted in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, where it functioned as a descriptive surname. The name is derived from the Middle High German word "lieht," which translates to light or bright. It likely served as a nickname for a person with a cheerful personality or perhaps someone with a fair complexion. By 1725, records confirm that members of the Lichty family were established in the city of Winterthur. At that time, Winterthur was a growing center for trade and craftsmanship, and families like the Lichtys played a role in the local community as artisans or merchants. Over the following decades, many individuals bearing this name migrated away from the Swiss cantons to seek new opportunities in other parts of Europe and eventually across the Atlantic.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Licht
Germanic word meaning light or bright.
This name
LichtyA topographic name for someone who lived in a bright or clear area.
also spelled
Lichty
Lychti
Liktee
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
Staatsarchiv des Kantons Zürich, Kirchenbücher der Stadt Winterthur, 1725
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
