Meaning of the Comerford 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 - 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 Comerford 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.
Red
The red color (known as Gules) traditionally symbolized martyrdom and the historic military strength of family members when called upon in times of war.
Comerford name meaning and origin
Comerford is an Irish surname that originated from the Gaelic name "O'Comarthaigh," meaning "descendant of Comarthaigh." It is believed to have originated in County Kilkenny in Ireland.
History of family crests like the Comerford 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.
Comerford name variations and their meaning
The family name Comerford has various variations across different regions and time periods. Some common variations include Comberford, Comberfort, Comberforth, and Comberford. These variations may have emerged due to different dialects, accents, or spelling conventions in different areas. Over time, as families migrated and settled in new regions, the pronunciation and spelling of the name may have evolved, leading to these variations.
In some cases, variations of the name may have been influenced by the phonetics of the local language. For example, in regions where the local language has different pronunciation rules, the name may have been adapted to fit those rules. Additionally, variations could have been introduced through clerical errors or mistakes made during the recording of names in official documents.
Despite these variations, individuals with different spellings of the name are likely to share a common ancestry. It is fascinating to observe how a single family name can take on different forms while still representing the same lineage.
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
