Meaning of the Armitage 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.
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 Armitage 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.
Armitage name meaning and origin
Armitage is a surname of English origin, derived from a place name in West Yorkshire. It means "dweller at the hermitage" or "dweller at the isolated dwelling."
History of family crests like the Armitage 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.
Armitage name variations and their meaning
The family name Armitage has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Armistead, which is believed to have originated from the same root as Armitage. Another variation is Armitstead, which is similar in sound and spelling to Armitage but with a slight difference. Additionally, some individuals with the Armitage surname may have adopted the variation Armitt, which is a shorter and more concise version of the name. Another possible variation is Armit, which is even shorter and may have been derived from Armitage. These variations of the family name Armitage demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of surnames over generations. It is interesting to see how slight changes in spelling or pronunciation can result in different variations of the same name. These variations add to the richness and diversity of the Armitage family name and its history.
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
