Meaning of the De Luca family crest symbols

Bird - Eagle
The eagle symbolizes how early family members were considered people of action, quick-wittedness and a noble nature. When the wings are visible, this can additionally represent 'protection' and the protective powers of the family.
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 De Luca 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 Luca name meaning and origin
The surname De Luca originates from Italy, meaning "of Luke" or "from Luke." It is often associated with the given name Luca, derived from the Latin name Lucas, which means "bringer of light." The name reflects a rich cultural and historical heritage in Italian regions.
History of family crests like the De Luca 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 Luca name variations and their meaning
Variations of the family name De Luca showcase a fascinating tapestry woven through linguistic evolution and cultural adaptation across different regions. In Italy during the 16th century, the name saw transformations into De Lucchi and Lucchese, reflecting local dialects and regional influences. By the 17th and 18th centuries, as Italian immigrants spread across Europe and the Americas, adaptations emerged; De Luca transformed into Deluca in English-speaking countries, maintaining its Italian roots while adapting to phonetic preferences of the local languages. Meanwhile, in Latin America, the name sometimes takes on the spelling De Lucá, influenced by Spanish orthography and pronunciation. In the 19th century, as many sought to formalize identities, surname variations blossomed, including variations like Lucasin and Lucan, which exemplified a broader trend of simplifying or altering surnames to better fit into new linguistic environments. Each variant, thus, reflects a rich history of migration, assimilation, and the morphological play of languages across centuries.
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
