A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Riche family of Switzerland.
Reg. 6379 · Swiss, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“D'azur à la fasce d'or, acc. en chef d'un lion léopardé du même, tenant de sa patte dextre levée une bourse d'arg., et en p. d'un tertre de trois pics du même.”
SwitzerlandValais, c. 1745
Where the Riche Arms Were Recorded
Valais
Map of Switzerland showing where the Riche arms are recorded
The Riche arms were recorded in Valais, 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 Riche Family in Switzerland
The family name Riche has deep roots in the mountainous landscape of the Valais region in Switzerland. By the year 1745, records confirm that members of the family were already established residents in this area. The name itself likely originated as a descriptive nickname in the Middle Ages, often used to identify someone who was considered wealthy or powerful within their local community. As the family grew, they became integrated into the social and agricultural life of the Alpine valleys. Living in Valais required great resilience, as families had to adapt to the harsh climate and the challenges of high-altitude farming. Over many generations, the Riche family became a part of the unique cultural fabric of the region, contributing to the development of local traditions and the history of the Swiss cantons.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
ric
A Germanic element meaning powerful, ruler, or strong.
This name
RicheRefers to a person who is wealthy, powerful, or noble in status.
also spelled
Ryche
Reesh
Rich
Related arms
Richvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives de l'État du Valais, Registres paroissiaux (Parish registers)
Archives de l'État du Valais, Recensements de la population (Population censuses)
Dictionnaire historique et biographique de la Suisse, Dictionnaire historique et biographique de la Suisse, 1921–1933
Zufferey, François, Noms de famille du Valais, 2002
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
