A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Sethi family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 9019 · German, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
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, ch. d'un poisson nageant du champ, et acc. en chef de deux étoiles (5) du sec. et en p. d'un croiss. d'arg. C.: un vol d'azur, chaque aile ch. d'une étoile (5) d'or. L. d'or et d'azur.”
GermanyHambourg, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Sethi arms are recorded
The Sethi arms were recorded in Hambourg, c. 1765.
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.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Germany when the Sethi 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 Sethi Family in Germany
The history of the Sethi family in Germany is rooted in the vibrant mercantile culture of eighteenth-century Hamburg. By 1765, records confirm that members of the family were already established within this bustling port city, which served as a primary gateway for international trade and cultural exchange. During this era, Hamburg was a center for merchants and scholars who navigated the complex networks of the Holy Roman Empire. The presence of the Sethi name in such a strategic location suggests that these early family members were likely involved in the sophisticated commerce or administrative life that defined the city. As they integrated into the local society, they contributed to the diverse fabric of Hamburg, living through a period of significant economic growth and urban development. This early foothold in Northern Germany highlights a history of mobility and adaptation, reflecting the family's ability to thrive in a major European center of industry and thought.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
hat or capDignity, and the honour of office
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
swordJustice, and military honour
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec. en saut.: au 1 tiercé en pal: a. d'azur à une couronne navale d'arg.; b. d'or à un chapeau de gu.; c. d'azur à une couronne navale d'or; au 2 parti: a. d'or à une tête et col d'aigle de sa., surm. d'une étoile (5) d'azur; b. d'azur à trois bandes ondées d'arg.; au 3 d'azur à la croix d'or, ch. d'une fleur-de-lis d'azur, et une bord. d'herm.; au 4 d'azur à une épée d'arg., garnie d'or; et un aviron d'arg. en bande, le manche en haut, et un tube de canon en barre, brochants en saut. sur l'épée; le tout acc. de quatre bill. d'arg., 2 accostant l'épée en chef et 2 accostant le saut. Sur le tout d'azur à la fasce d'or, ch. d'un poisson nageant de gu. et acc. en chef de deux étoiles (5) d'or et en p. d'un croiss. d'arg. Trois cq. cour. C.: 1° une couronne de laurier de sin., entre deux prob. d'arg.; 2° un vol d'azur, chaque aile ch. d'une étoile (5) d'or; 3° une tour de deux étages de gu. S.: deux chevaux reg. d'arg.”
Swedenc. 1672
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Map of Sweden showing where the Sethi arms are recorded
The Sethi arms were recorded in Sweden, c. 1672.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Stockholm.
Stockholm held the Swedish court and the House of Nobility, where every noble family's arms were entered and kept. Families ennobled for service registered there, which is why so many are recorded around the city.
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 Sweden in this period.
Charles XI of Sweden
Sovereign of the period
Charles XI of Sweden
1660–1697
Reigning in Germany when the Sethi arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Sweden
In Sweden, a coat of arms belonged to a noble family as a whole rather than just one individual. These arms were passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants. Younger branches of the family used the same shield without needing to change it. This system ensured that the entire lineage shared the same identity and status under the law.
Granting authority
The Riddarhuset, or House of Nobility, regulated all noble coats of arms in Sweden under royal authority.
How they got arms
Families received their coats of arms through royal grants of nobility which were then officially registered with the House.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Swedish House of Nobility register starting in the year 1626.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Sweden.
Origin & History of the Sethi Family in Sweden
The history of the Sethi family in Sweden begins with the arrival of early members in Stockholm by 1672. During this period, Sweden was a major European power, and the capital city served as a hub for merchants and skilled professionals from across the continent. While the name Sethi is often associated with South Asian roots, its presence in seventeenth-century Stockholm suggests that these individuals were likely part of the growing network of international traders who settled in the city to support the Swedish economy. These early settlers integrated into the local society by participating in the urban life of the capital, likely working in commerce or specialized trades that were essential to the development of the city. By establishing themselves in Stockholm during the late 1600s, the family became part of a diverse group of residents who helped shape the cosmopolitan character of the Swedish capital during the Age of Greatness.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Seth
A Hebrew name meaning appointed or placed.
This name
SethiA patronymic surname indicating descent from an ancestor named Seth.
also spelled
Sethe
Setth
Set
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87