A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Weidow family of Switzerland.
Reg. 8142 · Swiss, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. à un tertre de trois coupeaux de sin., sommés chacun d'un trèfle à tige allongé d'or, le tout acc. en chef de deux étoiles (5) du même. - Armes mod.: De sa. à trois trèfles d'or; à la bord. du même.”
SwitzerlandFribourg, c. 1745
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Map of Switzerland showing where the Weidow arms are recorded
The Weidow 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 Weidow Family in Switzerland
The family name Weidow traces its roots to the historic city of Fribourg, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1745. During this period, Fribourg served as a vital crossroads for trade and cultural exchange between German and French-speaking regions. Families like the Weidows were often integrated into the local economy, likely working as skilled craftsmen or merchants who contributed to the growing urban life of the canton. Because the name appears in local administrative documents from the mid-18th century, it suggests that the family held a stable position within the community. Over time, the family name evolved alongside the shifting borders and linguistic influences of the region, reflecting the complex history of central Europe.
Weidow Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Weid
Old High German term for pasture, meadow, or hunting ground.
This name
WeidowRefers to a person who lived near or worked on a pasture or meadow.
also spelled
Weide
Vide
Wide
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives: Archives de l'État de Fribourg, Registres paroissiaux et état civil
Archives: Archives de la Ville de Fribourg, Bürgerrodel
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
