Meaning of the Bourne family crest symbols
Shield - Chevron
The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.
Shield - Bordure
The 'bordure' edge around the shield is a mark of difference used to identify separate families that hold similar coat of arms designs. It is one that became a distinctive mark of pride over time for those families that used one.
Meaning of the Bourne 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.
Bourne name meaning and origin
The surname Bourne is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "burna," meaning stream or brook. It often indicated a person living near a waterway or a locality with such a feature. The name reflects geographical associations in naming practices.
History of family crests like the Bourne 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.
Bourne name variations and their meaning
The family name Bourne has an intriguing array of variations that highlight linguistic evolution across different cultures. In the United States, the surname Bourne has sometimes been adapted to Bournefield, a reflection of the American tendency to create compound surnames for distinctiveness. In France, the name can take on the form de Bourne, indicating noble lineage, while in England, Bourne may evolve into Bourn, especially in regions where dialectical influences reshape names through phonetic shifts, particularly noticeable from the 17th century onward. Spanish-speaking countries might render the name as Bourna, influenced by the phonetic characteristics of the language, emerging mostly in the 18th century as migration patterns changed. In the 19th century, due to global migration and the mixing of cultures, other variations like Bournet appeared in Canada, reflecting both French and English influences in the region. Each variation not only marks geographical dispersion but also shows how language and cultural exchanges can transform a surname over time, creating a rich tapestry of identity within the Bourne lineage.
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
