A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Rätzer family of Switzerland.
Reg. 6544 · Swiss, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 soc de charrue d'arg., la pointe en bas, soutenu d'un tertre de sin. et surm. d'une croisette du sec.; le soc de charrue accosté en p. de deux étoiles d'or. C.: une étoile d'or.”
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 Rätzer arms are recorded
The Rätzer 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 Rätzer Family in Switzerland
The surname Rätzer is rooted in the German-speaking regions of Europe and is traditionally classified as an occupational name. It is derived from the Middle High German word "ratzen," which historically referred to a person who worked as a scavenger, a cleaner, or someone involved in the trade of furs and skins. By the mid-18th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Berne, Switzerland. Records confirm that members of the Rätzer family were living and working in this region by 1745. During this era, families with this name were often integrated into the local urban economy, contributing to the growth and administrative life of the Swiss cantons. As the family moved through the generations, they became part of the social fabric of Berne, leaving behind a legacy that reflects the industrious nature of their ancestors.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Rat
Old High German term for counsel, advice, or deliberation.
This name
RätzerAn occupational surname for a counselor, advisor, or a member of a town council.
also spelled
Ratser
Retser
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Brechenmacher, Josef Karlmann. Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Familiennamen. 1957
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich. 1903
Staatsarchiv des Kantons Bern. Kirchenbücher der Stadt Bern. 1745
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
