De Villiers family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the De Villiers 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.

Shield - Bordure

The 'bordure' edge around the shield is a mark of difference used to identify separate families that hold similar coat of arms designs. It is one that became a distinctive mark of pride over time for those families that used one.

Meaning of the De Villiers 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.

Yellow/Gold

The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.

De Villiers name meaning and origin

De Villiers is a French surname meaning "of the village." It originates from the Old French term "villiers," referring to someone who lived near or was associated with a village. The name is common in France and among French-speaking communities in other countries.

History of family crests like the De Villiers 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 Villiers name variations and their meaning

The family name De Villiers has seen an array of intriguing variations across different cultures and languages, reflecting its rich history. In France, the name often appears as De Villiers or Villiers, but in the 17th century, it transformed into Villiers in England, where it became associated with nobility, notably through figures like George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham. Meanwhile, in South Africa, descendants of French Huguenots adapted the name to De Villiers, often pronounced with a local twist, encapsulating the 18th-century colonial influences. As the name traveled to Brazil during the 19th century, it morphed into De Villiers or even Villiers, influenced by Portuguese language structures. In Canada, the name may be anglicized to Villers or a similar variant, showcasing the impact of local cultures throughout the 20th century. Each variation not only marks a geographical shift but also tells a story of adaptation, reflecting societal changes and linguistic influences over the centuries.

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