Meaning of the Altavilla family crest symbols
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.
Tree
The great tree signifies a long lasting age of the family. It was used as an icon of ultimate strength and endurance. It represents those families with grand heritage and their ability to last the test of time.
Meaning of the Altavilla 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.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Altavilla name meaning and origin
Altavilla is an Italian surname meaning "high town" or "elevated village," derived from the Latin roots "alta" (high) and "villa" (town). The name is historically linked to several noble families and locations in Italy, symbolizing social status and geographical prominence.
History of family crests like the Altavilla 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.
Altavilla name variations and their meaning
The family name Altavilla presents a fascinating array of variations that reflect its journey through different cultures and languages over the centuries. In Italy, the name often transformed into Altaville or Altavilli, with the latter adding a commonly used suffix that denotes familial connections. As the name spread into Spanish-speaking countries during the 16th century, it became Altavila, influenced by the phonetic preferences of the Iberian Peninsula. Meanwhile, in the 17th century, when many families emigrated to the Americas, the surname evolved into forms such as Altaville or Altavilla de la Paz, capturing the local language's nuances and sometimes adding geographic identifiers. In the 18th century, as the name reached regions in Eastern Europe, particularly in areas influenced by Slavic languages, its form shifted to Altavilly or Altavil as people adapted it to fit local phonetics while maintaining a semblance of its Italian roots. This ongoing evolution illustrates how a single family name can traverse linguistic landscapes, acquiring unique characteristics that mirror historical migrations and cultural exchanges, thus enriching its legacy through time. Additionally, the name found itself intertwined with the aristocratic titles of the 19th century, leading to variations like Altavilla dei Marchesi in reminders of the family's noble lineage, reflecting a blend of history and societal structures that pruned the name's evolution further into contemporary usage.
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
