Meaning of the Cabra 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.
Roundel
The roundel is believed to be a symbol from the times of the crusade and represents the family's belief in the importance of justice. It was used as a mark of those who pursued justice with vigor and brought others to justice.
Meaning of the Cabra 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.
Cabra name meaning and origin
The surname Cabra has Spanish origins, meaning goat in English. It is likely derived from the word "cabra," reflecting geographical features or local fauna. Families with this name may be linked to regions where goats were common, signifying pastoral or agricultural heritage.
History of family crests like the Cabra 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.
Cabra name variations and their meaning
Cabra, as a family name, showcases intriguing linguistic variations across different cultures and time periods. In Spain, particularly during the 15th century, the name evolved into Cabral, influenced by the regional dialects and the aristocratic practice of adopting suffixes to denote lineage. As we move towards the 17th century in Portugal, one can find the variant Cabreira, which reflects local phonetic changes that emerged alongside the common practice of adding geographical identifiers to surnames. In Latin America, particularly during the 19th century, the simple Cabra took on an affectionate diminutive form, Cabrita, found particularly in rural communities, symbolizing an endearing connection to familial roots. Meanwhile, in the Italian context, the name morphs into Capra, driven by the transformation of vowel sounds and the assimilation of names into a Romance language framework. Such variations not only highlight the name's adaptability but also reveal the socio-linguistic influences that shaped these transformations through 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
