Corsican family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Corsican 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.

Cross

The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.

Meaning of the Corsican 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.

Blue

The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.

Corsican name meaning and origin

Corsican is a surname derived from the Italian island of Corsica. It is typically of Italian or Corsican origin and is associated with families that have ties to the region. The name may also refer to individuals with Corsican ancestry.

History of family crests like the Corsican 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.

Corsican name variations and their meaning

The family name Corsican has undergone fascinating transformations across various cultures and centuries, revealing a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution. In the 17th century, the name might have morphed into Corsignano in Italy, influenced by regional dialects that favored the use of suffixes denoting origin or locality, adding a distinct Italian flair. By the 18th century, the name could be found in France as Corsicain, demonstrating how the French language refined the original name to fit phonetic patterns and regional lexicons. Moving into the 19th century, the name transformed in Spanish-speaking countries into Corsicano, reflecting the adaptation of names to align with Spanish phonetics and syntax, which often emphasizes vowels and smooth transitions between syllables. In the 20th century, the emigration of individuals bearing the name led to its Anglicization in English-speaking countries, becoming Corsican, further distanced from its roots while still retaining familial connections. Additionally, in some regions, the name acquired prefixes or suffixes based on local naming conventions, resulting in variants such as De Corsican in French-speaking areas, where linguistic prestige often favored the inclusion of nobility markers, further illustrating how cultural dynamics and language have shaped the identity associated with the family name over time.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: