Meaning of the Chisnall 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.
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 Chisnall 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.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Chisnall name meaning and origin
Chisnall is a surname of English origin, potentially derived from a place name in Lancashire. Its meaning is linked to geographical features, possibly indicating a settlement near a river or stream. The name reflects local history and the significance of landscapes in naming conventions.
History of family crests like the Chisnall 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.
Chisnall name variations and their meaning
Chisnall may be just one of many family names that demonstrate linguistic evolution across different regions and time periods. In the 17th century, variations like Chisnall-Cox arose, particularly in regions where hyphenation became a stylistic choice to denote lineage or marital connections. Moving to the 19th century, names like Chisnall-Smith and Chisnel emerged as adaptations in English-speaking countries, reflecting the trend of combining surnames to honor familial ties or significant partnerships. Meanwhile, in France, the name transformed into Chiznal in the same era, owing to phonetic shifts that often occurred when names traveled across borders and underwent regional pronunciation alterations. By the 20th century, the influence of globalization led to even further variations, such as Chisnal and Shiznal, reflecting changes in spelling as communities modernized their frameworks for family identities.
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
