Avis family crest and coat of arms

The family name Avis means "bird" in Latin. It is a surname derived from the Old French word "ave" or "avis," which referred to a person who kept birds or perhaps had a bird-like quality.

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 family name Avis showcases a fascinating array of variations that offer insight into linguistic evolution and cultural adaptation across different regions and centuries. In England, during the medieval period of the 12th to 15th centuries, the name transformed into Aves, often reflecting the phonetic shifts in Middle English where vowel sounds altered, leading to a more simplified spelling. In the 16th century, particularly in France, the surname evolved into Aviz, a variation that was influenced by the linguistic trends of French surnames which often adopt nuances to reflect local dialects and pronunciations. The Spanish adaptation, Ávila, emerged during the 17th century as a result of the Iberian practice of associating surnames with geographical locations or notable figures, depicting a rich interplay between local culture and the original name. In Scandinavia, the name took on the form Avisson or Avison during the 18th century, marking a noticeable shift as patronymic naming conventions became prevalent, reflecting the addition of suffixes denoting family lineage. The Italian variant, Avviso, appeared in the 19th century, reflecting a trend towards melodious and expressive names that captured the poetic nature of the Italian language at the time. Each of these variations not only highlights the adaptability of the name Avis but also illustrates how names migrate, transform, and encapsulate elements of identity and heritage across different linguistic landscapes and historical contexts.

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