Cartagena family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Cartagena 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.

Crown

The crown is one of the oldest and most recognizable symbols of nobility. Its use was prevalent since medieval times and signified authority in relation to those of royal lineage, high societal standing and military ranking.

Meaning of the Cartagena 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.

Cartagena name meaning and origin

Cartagena is a Spanish surname derived from the city of Cartagena in Spain. It is of toponymic origin, meaning someone who came from or lived near Cartagena.

History of family crests like the Cartagena 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.

Cartagena name variations and their meaning

Exploring the variations of the family name Cartagena reveals a fascinating tapestry of cultural and linguistic evolution. In the 16th century, as Spanish explorers ventured into the Americas, the name adapted to local dialects, giving rise to forms like Cartagenas in parts of Colombia, where the emphasis on local pronunciation and phonetic alterations shaped its identity. By the 18th century, migration patterns saw the name transition into different languages, manifesting as Cartagene in parts of Italy, reflecting the Italian penchant for vowel endings that soften consonants. Meanwhile, in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era, the name morphed into Cartahena, exhibiting the influence of Tagalog phonology that favors simpler syllable structures. The 19th century brought further diversification, with communities settling in the Caribbean, where Cartagena became Cartagena-Bermudez or similar hyphenated forms, indicating both lineage and connection to geographic roots. In the modern era, especially due to globalization, the name also appears as Cardena or Cardeno in various regions, showcasing the fluidity of identity as families adapt and reinterpret their heritage across languages and cultures while maintaining a connection to their ancestral roots.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: