Meaning of the De La Salle family crest symbols
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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 De La Salle 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.
De La Salle name meaning and origin
De La Salle is a French surname meaning "of the hall" or "from the manor." It reflects noble or landholding origins. The name is notable for figures like John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
History of family crests like the De La Salle 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.
De La Salle name variations and their meaning
The family name De La Salle has taken on various intriguing forms across different cultures and languages over the centuries. In Spain, one might encounter the surname Delasal, which reflects the linguistic evolution of dropping prefixes while retaining the core identity. The French variation, De La Salle, remains predominantly unchanged yet gives rise to informal adaptations like La Salle in casual contexts, showcasing the fluid nature of names in day-to-day interactions. Heading into the 19th century, Italian influences introduced DeLaSalle, where the spacing was omitted, resulting in a more streamlined appearance that mirrors Italian naming conventions. Moving into the 20th century, the name also found its way into Anglophone countries, leading to variations like DeLasalle and even DelaSalle, reflecting the modern tendency to merge components of surnames for simplicity. As these variations proliferated, they became adapted in various social contexts, evolving further and acquiring uniquely regional emphasis while preserving a connection to their historical roots.
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
