Armor family crest and coat of arms

Armor is a French surname that originated as a nickname for someone who wore armor or worked as an armorer. It may also have denoted someone with a strong, protective personality. It ultimately derives from the Latin word "armatura," meaning "armor."

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.

The surname Armor has evolved into several interesting variations across different countries and centuries, showcasing the intricate pathways of linguistic and cultural evolution. In France, the name has transformed into Armour or Armouret during the 12th century, influenced by regional dialects and local phonetic shifts that altered its pronunciation while still retaining a semblance of the original form. Meanwhile, in English-speaking countries, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries, a more Anglicized version, Armor, emerged, often used as a surname among noble families, reflecting not only the medieval taste for strong, martial connotations but also the linguistic simplifications occurring as English began to stabilize. Likewise, in Scotland, the name took on variations like Armours or Armure during the 15th century, influenced by both Gaelic and Old Norse languages, which were prevalent in the region, leading to a rich tapestry of phonetic adaptations that blurred the lines of spelling and pronunciation. By the 18th century, the surname Armor had further diverged in places like Ireland, giving rise to variants such as O'Armor or Armory, where the addition of prefixes or changes in suffixes reflected local naming conventions and created a sense of lineage that resonated with Gaelic heritage. Additionally, in the Americas, particularly with the influx of European immigrants in the 19th century, one can find derivative variations such as Armoré, which often arose due to the influence of Spanish or Portuguese naming practices, illustrating how a single root name can branch out into a multitude of forms influenced by geographic displacement and cultural interchange, making each variation a unique marker of history and identity.

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