Carthage family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Carthage family crest symbols

Bird - Eagle

The eagle symbolizes how early family members were considered people of action, quick-wittedness and a noble nature. When the wings are visible, this can additionally represent 'protection' and the protective powers of the family.

Cross

The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.

Meaning of the Carthage 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.

Carthage name meaning and origin

Carthage is a surname of Phoenician origin tracing back to the ancient city of Carthage in present-day Tunisia. The name signifies strength, power, and perseverance, representing a proud lineage with a rich history of commerce and culture.

History of family crests like the Carthage 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.

Carthage name variations and their meaning

The family name Carthage has evolved into several intriguing variations across different regions and languages, reflecting the historical and cultural journeys of its bearers over the centuries. In France, the name has given rise to Charte, which emerged in the 12th century as a result of both phonetic shifts and regional dialect influences, leading to a softer pronunciation that reflects the Romance languages' evolution. In Spain, particularly during the 15th century, it adapted to Cartagena, a variant closely associated with maritime history, indicating a connection to coastal settlements and trade routes that defined the era. The Italian variant, Cartagine, surfaced in the 14th century, showcasing the influence of evolving linguistic structures in the Italian Peninsula, where the suffix -ine was commonly used to denote origin or association. Meanwhile, in the early 20th century, the Anglicization of the name led to variations such as Carthagean and Carthagian, with the latter often used to evoke a sense of historic pride and connection to ancient lineage in English-speaking contexts. Each of these variations carries with it a rich tapestry of historical narratives, shaped by cultural influences, migration patterns, and linguistic transformations, allowing the name Carthage to be a window into the complex interplay of identity and language throughout different epochs.

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