Map of Switzerland showing where the Thurman arms are recorded
The Thurman arms were recorded in Fribourg, 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 Thurman Family in Switzerland
The family name Thurman has deep roots in the region of Fribourg, Switzerland, where records confirm the family was well-established by 1745. The name itself is likely derived from the Old Germanic name Thormund, which combines the name of the god Thor with the word for protection or counsel. Families with this name were often part of the local agrarian or artisan classes during the eighteenth century. Living in the Fribourg area meant that these early ancestors were part of a unique cultural landscape where French and German influences met. Over time, the family name became a permanent fixture in local civil and parish registers as members participated in the social and economic life of the Swiss cantons. By maintaining a presence in this specific region, the Thurman family helped shape the local history of Fribourg through their work and community involvement.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Thormund
Derived from the Old Norse elements for Thor and protection.
This name
ThurmanA patronymic surname signifying the protector or guardian of Thor.
also spelled
Torman
Thormann
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives de l'État de Fribourg, Registres paroissiaux de Fribourg
Archives de l'État de Fribourg, Registres de bourgeoisie
Godet, Marcel, Dictionnaire historique et biographique de la Suisse, 1933
Morerod, Jean-Daniel, Fribourg: une ville, un canton, 1997
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
