A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Schwind family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 3188 · German, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Coupé: au 1 de gu. au lion naiss. d'arg., lamp. du champ, cour. d'or, mouv. du coupé; au 2 d'arg. à la bande d'azur, ch. de trois fleurs-de-lis d'or, posées dans le sens de la bande. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° le lion, iss. et cont.; 1. d'arg. et de gu.; 2° un demi-vol aux armes du 2; 1. d'arg. et d'azur.”
Germanyc. 1792
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Map of Germany showing where the Schwind arms are recorded
The Schwind arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1792.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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 Germany in this period.
Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor
1790–1792
Reigning in Germany when the Schwind arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Schwind Family in Germany
The surname Schwind has deep roots in the German-speaking regions of Central Europe, particularly within the southern state of Bavaria. Historically, the name is thought to have originated as a descriptive nickname, likely referring to a person’s quick movements or a lively personality. By the late 18th century, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established members of Bavarian society. During this period, the region was undergoing significant social and political changes as it transitioned from a collection of smaller territories into a unified kingdom. Families like the Schwinds often lived as farmers, craftsmen, or local tradespeople who contributed to the stability of their rural villages. Their presence in 1792 places them in a time of great upheaval in Europe, yet many families remained rooted in their ancestral lands, maintaining their local traditions and community ties for generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: au 1 de gu. à la fasce d'azur, bordée d'or et ch. de trois étoiles du même; acc. en chef d'un senestrochère, arm. au nat., posé sur le coude, brandissant une épée d'arg., garnie d'or, et en p. d'une bande d'arg.; aux 2 et 3 tail-lé: a. d'arg. à l'aigle ép. de sa.; b. de gu. à trois fas-ces d'or; au 4 d'azur au lion d'or, soutenu d'un ter-tre de sin. et tenant une branche de chêne englantée, au nat. Sur le tout coupé: a. de gu. au lion naiss. d'arg., cour. d'or, mouv. du coupé; b. d'arg. à la bande d'azur, ch. de trois fleurs-de-lis d'or, posées dans le sens de la bande. Trois cq. cour. C.: 1° le lion du sur-tout, iss. et cont.; 1. d'arg. et de gu.; 2° une croix latine d'or, entre un vol de sa.; 1. d'or et de sa.; 3° un demi-vol d'arg., ch. d'une bande d'azur, surch. de trois fleurs-de-lis d'or, posées dans le sens de la bande; 1. d'arg. et d'azur. S.: deux griffons d'or.”
Austriac. 1865
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Map of Austria showing where the Schwind arms are recorded
The Schwind arms were recorded in Austria, c. 1865.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Tyrol.
Tyrol was mountain country in western Austria, where the valleys were held by families who had been there a very long time. Old tenure counted for more than money, and old families carried arms.
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.
Region
Tyrol
First recorded
1865
Granting Authority for the Schwind Arms
Imperial and Royal chancery
Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.
Franz Joseph I of Austria
Sovereign of the period
Franz Joseph I of Austria
1848–1916
Reigning in Germany when the Schwind arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Austria
Austrian coats of arms were often linked directly to noble titles granted by the Emperor. These symbols belonged to the entire family line rather than just one individual. When a family grew, new branches kept the original design without needing to change it. This system allowed all members of a noble house to share the same identity across many generations.
Granting authority
The Imperial and Royal chancery managed all heraldic matters and controlled the official granting of arms throughout the Austrian lands.
How they got arms
Families typically received their arms through a formal imperial decree that often accompanied the elevation of a person to noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Official records of these grants were kept in the Imperial Register of Nobility which began its formal documentation process in 1453.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Austria.
Origin & History of the Schwind Family in Austria
The surname Schwind has deep roots in the German-speaking regions of Europe, with its origins likely tied to the Middle High German word "swinden," which often described someone who was quick, agile, or perhaps prone to disappearing. In the context of Austria, the family established a notable presence in the rugged landscape of Tyrol by the mid-19th century. Families in this mountainous region often lived in isolated valley communities where they worked as skilled craftsmen or farmers. By 1865, members of the Schwind family were already well-integrated into the local social fabric of Tyrol, contributing to the distinct cultural identity of the Alpine provinces. This period was a time of significant transition for many Austrian families as they navigated the changing political landscape of the Austro-Hungarian Empire while maintaining the traditions of their ancestors.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
swint
Middle High German term for a swift or sudden movement.
This name
SchwindA nickname for a person who was quick, agile, or impulsive in nature.
also spelled
Swind
Schwindd
Swindd
Shwind
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
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
