Meaning of the Degennaro family crest symbols
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.
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 Degennaro coat of arms colors
Black
The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.
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.
Degennaro name meaning and origin
Degennaro is an Italian surname that is believed to have originated from the given name "Gennaro," which means "January" in Italian. It is a patronymic surname, indicating descent from an ancestor named Gennaro.
History of family crests like the Degennaro 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.
Degennaro name variations and their meaning
The family name Degennaro has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Italy, it is commonly spelled as De Gennaro, emphasizing the separation between the two parts of the name. This variation is often found in the southern regions of Italy, such as Campania and Puglia. Another variation is Di Gennaro, which is more prevalent in the central regions of Italy, like Lazio and Abruzzo. This variation uses the preposition "di" to indicate belonging or origin. In some cases, the name is shortened to Gennaro, dropping the prefix altogether. This shorter version is often used as a first name in Italy. Additionally, when the name migrated to other countries, it underwent further changes. In the United States, for example, it is sometimes spelled as DeGenaro or DeGenero, reflecting the influence of English phonetics. These variations highlight the adaptability and evolution of the Degennaro family name as it traveled across different cultures and generations.
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
