Boatswain family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Boatswain family crest symbols

Fleur-de-lis

The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.

Weapon - Sword

The sword is a symbol of courage and strength, and signifies the importance of upholding the family's honor through honorable actions. It is also a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.

Meaning of the Boatswain 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.

Boatswain name meaning and origin

The surname Boatswain has maritime origins, derived from the Middle English word for the ship's officer responsible for equipment and crew. It reflects a historical connection to seafaring and nautical roles, indicating that bearers of this name may have held such positions in coastal communities.

History of family crests like the Boatswain 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.

Boatswain name variations and their meaning

Throughout the centuries, the family name Boatswain has seen intriguing variations that reflect linguistic evolution and cultural adaptation. In the 17th century, a shift in spelling led to the variation "Bosun," particularly in maritime communities where the term became a colloquial reference to a ship’s officer. By the 18th century, as British naval influence spread globally, the name morphed into "Bausein" and "Bauson" in coastal regions of Eastern Europe, where local languages incorporated phonetic adaptations. Meanwhile, in the Americas, notably during the 19th century, iterations such as "Bowson" emerged as families migrated and anglicized their names, marrying local influences with their ancestry. In contrast, the 20th century witnessed the emergence of "Boteson" in Scandinavian countries, where the name adapted to fit Scandinavian phonetics while maintaining a hint of its maritime heritage. These variations reveal the name's journey through history, weaving a tapestry of linguistic and cultural influences across different regions and epochs.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: