A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Renz family of Switzerland.
Reg. 4965 · Swiss, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 de gu. à la bande d'arg.; aux 2 et 3 d'arg. à un griffon de gu., les pattes de devant d'or, le griffon du 3 cont. Cq. cour. C.: le griffon du 2, iss.”
Switzerlandc. 1667
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Map of Switzerland showing where the Renz arms are recorded
The Renz arms were recorded in Switzerland, c. 1667.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bern.
Bern was the largest of the Swiss cantons and ran itself, with its own council and its own courts. Its governing families held office for generations, and office of that kind carried a shield with it.
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 Renz Family in Switzerland
The surname Renz is deeply rooted in the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly within the historic landscape of Switzerland. By the year 1667, records confirm that members of the Renz family were established residents of Bern. During this period, the city served as a powerful center of trade and political influence within the Swiss Confederacy. Families like the Renz clan were often part of the hardworking middle class, contributing to the local economy through skilled crafts, agriculture, or merchant activities. As the name spread across the region, it became associated with the distinct cultural traditions of the Bernese Highlands. The preservation of these names in local parish registers and official city documents highlights the family’s long-standing integration into the social fabric of the community.
Renz Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Lorenz
Derived from the Latin Laurentius meaning from Laurentum or laurel crowned.
This name
RenzA short form or pet name variant of the name Lawrence.
also spelled
Rents
Related arms
Rensvariant spelling
Rentzvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, 2002
Staatsarchiv des Kantons Bern, Kirchenbücher der Stadt Bern, 1667
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
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
