Meaning of the Castellow family crest symbols
Torse
The torse was originally used to mask the join between helmet and crest but also holds a secondary meaning as a momento given to a crusader by his lady-love, given to him when he left for battle.
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 Castellow 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.
Castellow name meaning and origin
The surname Castellow is of English origin, likely derived from a geographical location or estate. It may also reflect variations in spelling from the original Norman name Castel, indicating a connection to a castle or fortified place, suggesting heritage tied to land or nobility.
History of family crests like the Castellow 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.
Castellow name variations and their meaning
Castellow has seen intriguing variations across different cultures and languages, reflecting the fluid nature of family names through the centuries. In the 17th century, the name morphed into Castello in Italy, influenced by the Italian word for castle, suggesting an association with nobility or significant landmarks. By the 18th century, in Spanish-speaking regions, Castello transformed to Castillo, adopting the masculine suffix typical of Spanish surnames, highlighting the architectural heritage that many families sought to embody. Moving into the 19th century, in English-speaking countries, Castellow evolved further into Castelow, likely due to phonetic shifts and anglicization processes, which simplified pronunciations for easier everyday use. As the name journeyed across borders, local dialects and social influences led to additional adaptations like Castelao in Portuguese contexts, where the suffix altered to resonate with local linguistic norms, enriching the tapestry of this family's legacy. Each variation not only tells a story of migration and cultural exchange but also illustrates how names can transform while still carrying echoes of their ancestral roots.
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
