Meaning of the Bertorelli 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 Bertorelli 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.
Bertorelli name meaning and origin
Bertorelli is an Italian surname derived from the given name Alberto, meaning noble or bright. It is predominantly found in Italy and among Italian descendants worldwide. The name reflects a heritage of craftsmanship and family ties, often associated with artisans or tradespeople.
History of family crests like the Bertorelli 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.
Bertorelli name variations and their meaning
Bertorelli has inspired numerous fascinating variations across different cultures and languages. In Italy, the name might appear as Bertorello, where the diminutive suffix "-ello" is commonly used to convey affection or smallness, reflecting a linguistic trend seen in the 17th century. Moving north, in the German-speaking regions, it can transform into Bertorell, adopting the Germanic "-ll" ending, which emerged during the 16th and 17th centuries as a way to simplify or modify Italian names for local usage. Over in the English-speaking world, one might encounter Bertorelle, particularly in immigrant communities where the name was anglicized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to fit better into an English phonetic structure. The Spanish adaptation Bertorelo reflects the phonetic shifts that occurred in the 15th century as Spanish speakers modified names they encountered during trade and exploration. Each variation encapsulates not just linguistic evolution, but also the cultural interactions and migrations that shaped these names over the centuries.
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
