Barling family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Barling family crest symbols

Star

The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.

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 Barling 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.

Red

The red color (known as Gules) traditionally symbolized martyrdom and the historic military strength of family members when called upon in times of war.

Barling name meaning and origin

Barling is an English surname, originating from a locational name derived from various places named Barling in Essex. The name is believed to come from the Old English 'beara' meaning "bear" combined with 'ing' denoting belonging, suggesting a familial or geographical connection to bears.

History of family crests like the Barling 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.

Barling name variations and their meaning

One intriguing variation of the family name Barling can be found in its adoption as Berling in German-speaking countries, which emerged during the 13th century as migration patterns encouraged the adaptation of surnames to suit local phonetics. Meanwhile, in Scandinavian regions, the name transformed into Bärling around the 16th century, influenced by the shift towards incorporating regional characteristics into names. In England, the alteration to Barlling occurred during the 18th century, likely due to the fusion of dialects and a widespread trend of simplifying names for ease of pronunciation. Across the Atlantic, American branches of the family may carry Barling as well, but some have evolved into variations like Barlow, reflecting the propensity for American names to sometimes take on more concise forms. Each variation showcases the rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural exchange that has shaped surnames over the centuries.

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