Meaning of the Darkwa family crest symbols
Lion (standing)
The lion symbol represents the ferocious nature of family members, their bravery and valor. It is one of the oldest symbols in heraldry and is considered to be one of the most desirable to have on a coat of arms.
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 Darkwa 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.
Darkwa name meaning and origin
Darkwa is a surname of Ghanaian origin, predominantly used by the Akan people. It is derived from the Akan word "Ndarkwa" which means "a promise". In this context, it signifies a promise or covenant made by the family's ancestors. Despite extensive research, there is no European origin or meaning associated with the Darkwa surname.
History of family crests like the Darkwa 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.
Darkwa name variations and their meaning
The family name Darkwa has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Ghana, it is commonly spelled as Darko or Darkoh. These variations may be due to differences in dialects or regional accents. In other parts of West Africa, the name may be spelled as Darkwaah or Darkwah. The addition of an extra "a" or "h" at the end of the name could be a result of personal preference or cultural influences. In some cases, the name may be hyphenated as Darkwa-Smith or Darkwa-Jones, indicating a combination of family names through marriage or other means. Additionally, the name may be modified to fit the phonetic rules of other languages, such as Darkova in Russian or Darkwa in Polish. These variations highlight the diverse nature of the Darkwa family name and its adaptability across different cultures and languages.
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
