Meaning of the Cole 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.
Shield - Fess
The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.
Meaning of the Cole coat of arms colors
Black
The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.
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.
Cole name meaning and origin
The family name Cole is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "col," meaning "charcoal" or "coal." It is believed to have originally been a nickname for someone with dark hair or a dark complexion.
History of family crests like the Cole 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.
Cole name variations and their meaning
The family name Cole has various variations across different regions and cultures. In England, it is commonly spelled as Coles or Cowles. In Scotland, the name is often seen as MacCole or McCole. In Ireland, variations include MacCaul, MacCawley, and MacCowell. In France, the name is spelled as Collet or Colle. In Germany, it is seen as Kohl or Kuhl. In Italy, variations include Coli and Colombo. In Spain, the name is often spelled as Colón or Coloma. In Poland, variations include Kowalski and Kowalczyk. In Russia, the name is seen as Kolesnikov or Kolesnikova. In India, variations include Kohli and Kaul. These variations highlight the diverse origins and migrations of the Cole family name throughout history. Despite the different spellings and pronunciations, the variations of the name Cole all share a common ancestry and represent the interconnectedness of families across the globe.
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