Meaning of the Defore family crest symbols

Star
The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.
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 Defore 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.
Defore name meaning and origin
Defore is a surname of French origin. It is derived from the Old French 'defors', which means 'outside' or 'beyond'. This suggests that the original bearers of the name may have lived near the outskirts of a village or town, or beyond a certain landmark. It's a geographical surname, indicating a location or feature of the landscape.
History of family crests like the Defore 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.
Defore name variations and their meaning
The family name Defore has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is DeForest, which adds a capital letter to the middle of the name. This variation may have originated from a desire to emphasize the "Forest" element of the name. Another variation is DeFour, which replaces the "e" with an "o" and drops the final "e." This alteration could have been influenced by regional dialects or personal preference. Additionally, some individuals may choose to spell the name as DeFor or DeFore, simplifying the spelling by removing the second "e." These variations could be the result of phonetic changes or attempts to make the name easier to pronounce or spell. It is interesting to see how a single family name can evolve and take on different forms, reflecting the diverse linguistic and cultural influences that shape our identities.
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
