Meaning of the Cattel family crest symbols
Helmet
The helmet placed on the shield symbolizes the strength of the family unit and the protection it provides. It is a symbol of the importance of standing together and having strong defenses against any external threats.
Weapon - Arrow
The arrow signifies the early family's readiness for battle and affliction when threatened. It stands as a testament to family member’s success during times of war and a warning to those we may cross them.
Meaning of the Cattel 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.
Cattel name meaning and origin
Cattel is a surname of English origin, often derived from the medieval personal name Catel, which itself may originate from the Old French word for cat. It can indicate familial ties to early European communities, reflecting unique historical and cultural influences in naming traditions.
History of family crests like the Cattel 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.
Cattel name variations and their meaning
Exploring the family name Cattel reveals a tapestry of variations that highlight the rich linguistic evolution across different regions. In France, Cattel may have morphed into Chatel during the 14th century, drawing from the common practice of adding suffixes that denoted locality. As the name migrated to England by the 16th century, it transformed into Cattell, reflecting the phonetic adaptations typical of English spelling conventions of that era. Meanwhile, in Italy, the name could take the form of Catelli, emerging in the 17th century as Italian dialects began to influence surnames, adding the playful diminutive suffix -i. By the 19th century, emigration brought these variations to the New World, where Cattell and others melded into new forms like Cattellino, showing how the interplay of languages and cultures fostered further transformation. Thus, the evolution of the name Cattel is not only a reflection of individual family histories but also of broader linguistic patterns throughout various 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
