A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Swander family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1839 · German, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
swordJustice, and military honour
proboscides trunksGreat strength and long memory
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“d'arg., brandissant une épée du même, garnie d'or; entre deux prob. tiercées en fasce, celle à dextre de gu., d'or et de sin., celle à sen. de sin., d'or et de gu.; les prob. posées devant un vol de sa. L.: à dextre d'or et de gu., à sen. d'arg. et de gu.”
WestphaliaWestphalia, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Swander arms are recorded
The Swander arms were recorded in Westphalia, c. 1765.
Westphalia was a land of small estates and fortified farmhouses in western Germany. Its families were numerous and not especially rich, but each held its own ground, and holding ground was what brought 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.
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 Swander 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 Westphalia.
Origin & History of the Swander Family in Germany
The family name Swander finds its historical roots within the cultural landscape of the German-speaking lands, particularly in the region of Westphalia. By the mid-eighteenth century, records confirm that members of the family were established in this area, which was known for its dense forests and strong traditions of agrarian life. The name itself likely evolved from regional dialects that described a person’s occupation or their specific location within a village. During the 1700s, Westphalia was part of a complex network of small territories where families often stayed in the same communities for generations. This stability allowed the Swander family to develop deep ties to the local economy and social structure before many individuals eventually sought new opportunities through migration. Their presence in 1765 serves as a clear marker of a family well-integrated into the administrative and social fabric of the German heartland during the Enlightenment era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bullValour and generosity
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Sa. a chev. engr. betw. three bulls' heads cabossed ar”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Swander arms are recorded
The Swander arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them 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.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Germany when the Swander arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Swander Family in England
The history of the Swander family in England is rooted in the northern city of York, where records confirm members of the family were living by the year 1620. During the early seventeenth century, York was a bustling center of trade and religious activity, serving as a hub for families who often worked in skilled crafts or local administration. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots related to the landscape or the specific occupations of those early ancestors. As the family established their presence in this historic walled city, they became part of the local social fabric during a time of significant political change in England. By settling in a major urban center like York, the Swander family was positioned to participate in the growing economic opportunities of the era, leaving a lasting mark on the regional history of northern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Schwan
A large aquatic bird with a long neck.
This name
SwanderAn occupational or descriptive name for someone who resembled a swan or kept them.
also spelled
Sandre
Zander
Sanderr
Saunders
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
swordJustice, and military honour
proboscides trunksGreat strength and long memory
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
swordJustice, and military honour
proboscides trunksGreat strength and long memory
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bullValour and generosity
