Meaning of the Aardsma family crest symbols
Bird - Eagle
The eagle symbolizes how early family members were considered people of action, quick-wittedness and a noble nature. When the wings are visible, this can additionally represent 'protection' and the protective powers of the family.
Shield - Bordure
The 'bordure' edge around the shield is a mark of difference used to identify separate families that hold similar coat of arms designs. It is one that became a distinctive mark of pride over time for those families that used one.
Meaning of the Aardsma coat of arms colors
Silver
The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.
Yellow/Gold
The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.
Aardsma name meaning and origin
The name Aardsma is of Dutch origin. It is a toponymic surname derived from the word "aard", which means "earth" or "soil". Therefore, the meaning of the surname Aardsma can be interpreted as someone who lives or works on or with the land.
History of family crests like the Aardsma coat of arms
Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.
The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.
The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.
Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.
Aardsma name variations and their meaning
The family name Aardsma has several variations that have emerged over time. These variations reflect the diverse ways in which the name has been spelled or pronounced by different branches of the family. Some common variations include Aardsmaa, Aardsman, Aardsmann, and Aardsmaw. These variations may have originated due to regional dialects, changes in pronunciation, or simply personal preferences.
Over generations, as families migrated to different regions or countries, the name Aardsma may have undergone further alterations. For instance, in some cases, the name may have been anglicized to Ardsmore or Ardsma, particularly when families settled in English-speaking countries. Other variations may have been influenced by phonetic changes or the adoption of different naming conventions in different cultures.
Despite these variations, individuals with different spellings or pronunciations of the Aardsma name often share a common ancestry. Today, descendants of the Aardsma family can be found across the globe, each with their own unique variation of the name, but all connected by their shared heritage.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com