Ashby family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Ashby family crest symbols

Shield - Chevron

The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.

Shield - Fess

The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.

Meaning of the Ashby coat of arms colors

Black

The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.

Blue

The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.

Ashby name meaning and origin

Ashby is a surname of Old Norse origin, primarily found in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom. It is derived from the Old Norse words 'askr', meaning 'ash tree', and 'byr', meaning 'farm' or 'settlement'. Therefore, Ashby essentially translates to 'ash tree farm' or 'settlement with ash trees'. This indicates that the original bearers of the name likely lived or worked in a place abundant with ash trees.

History of family crests like the Ashby 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.

Ashby name variations and their meaning

The family name Ashby has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Ashbee, which adds an extra "e" at the end. This variation may have originated from a spelling error or a desire to differentiate the name from others with similar spellings. Another variation is Ashbey, which replaces the "y" with an "e." This alteration could have been influenced by regional accents or dialects. Additionally, the name Ashbie is another variation that has been observed. This variation may have been a result of phonetic changes or personal preference. It is interesting to note how a simple change in spelling can create different variations of the same family name. These variations add diversity to the Ashby family name and highlight the individuality of each branch of the family.

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