Meaning of the Breit family crest symbols
Lion (standing)
The lion symbol represents the ferocious nature of family members, their bravery and valor. It is one of the oldest symbols in heraldry and is considered to be one of the most desirable to have on a coat of arms.
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 Breit 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.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Breit name meaning and origin
Breit is a German surname that originated from Central Europe. It directly translates to 'broad' or 'wide' in English. The name likely referred to someone who was broad in stature or lived in a broad, wide valley. This moniker would have been used to differentiate individuals in the same region, a common practice in medieval Europe.
History of family crests like the Breit 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.
Breit name variations and their meaning
The family name Breit has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Breiter, which adds an "er" to the end of the name. This variation may have originated from the German language, where adding "-er" to a word often indicates a profession or occupation. Another variation is Breitman, which adds the suffix "-man" to the name. This variation could suggest a connection to a specific individual or family group. Additionally, the name may have evolved into Breitmann, which combines the original name with the suffix "-mann," meaning "man" in German. This variation could indicate a masculine association or emphasize the family's German heritage. Overall, these variations of the family name Breit demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of surnames over time. They also highlight the diverse ways in which individuals and families have personalized and modified their names to reflect their unique identities and histories.
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