What do coats of arms mean?
A coat of arms is a symbol that represents a specific family or person. Originally appearing on shields or flags, coats of arms were once used as a way of distinguishing one knight from another on a battlefield. The study, classification, and design of coats of arms is known as heraldry.
Why did families have crests?
This term originates from a European custom dating back to the Middle Ages. Heralds, or announcers, would introduce knights at competitions, and spectators could distinguish each knight by the design adorning his shield, helmet and armor. This design was his crest.
Does everyone have a family crest?
Almost every family will have its own distinctive crest somewhere down the line, no matter how significant their stature, history, or surname. Family heraldry is laden with symbolism.
What does the crest symbol mean?
A crest is a heraldic representation with a symbol (device) placed above a shield on a coat of arms. A crest is sometimes displayed on a small possession (often a “dogtag” type item) showing honor and pride for your race.
What does Martin family crest mean?
Martin Family Crest. Martin is a name of patronymic origin. Martin is derived from the first name of the same spelling and means “son of” or “descendant of” Martin.
What does Rogers family crest mean?
Rogers Family Crest. The English and Irish surname Rogers is of patronymic origin meaning son of, or descendant of Roger. The personal name Roger means “famous spear,” derived from the Germanic elements hrod “fame” and ger “spear.
What does Moore family crest mean?
Moore Family Crest. The surname Moore is predominantly found in the British Isles . Moore has a number of different origins. Moore can be of locative origin meaning somebody that lived by a moor or a marshy bog. Moore may also derive from the old French term meaning somebody of dark complexion. Moore may also come from the Gaelic term “Mor” meaning…
