Meaning of the Berkman 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 Berkman 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.
Berkman name meaning and origin
Berkman is a surname of European origin, specifically from the Netherlands and Germany. It is a patronymic name, derived from the personal name "Berk", meaning "birch tree", and "man", indicating "son of". Therefore, Berkman essentially means "son of the birch tree". This could suggest that the original bearers of the name lived near or were somehow associated with birch trees.
History of family crests like the Berkman 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.
Berkman name variations and their meaning
The family name Berkman has various variations across different regions and cultures. In some cases, it is spelled as Birkman or Birkmann, while in others it may be written as Berkmann or Berckman. These variations can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, phonetic differences, or even migration patterns of the family over time.
For instance, the spelling Birkman or Birkmann may be more common in German-speaking regions, reflecting the influence of the German language. On the other hand, the variations Berkmann or Berckman could be found in regions where Dutch or Scandinavian languages have had an impact.
These variations in spelling highlight the dynamic nature of surnames and how they can evolve over generations. They also demonstrate the diverse cultural backgrounds and histories that individuals with the Berkman name may have. Regardless of the specific spelling, the variations of the Berkman family name serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of human history and the interconnectedness of different cultures.
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
