Dejarnette family crest and coat of arms

Dejarnette is a French surname derived from the word "jarnac," meaning "red iron." The name may have originally been a nickname for someone with red hair or a reference to ironworking.

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.

The family name Dejarnette has seen several intriguing variations across different cultures and centuries that reflect both linguistic evolution and regional adaptations. In the 17th century, as the name spread to English-speaking territories, it transformed into variations such as Darnett and Jarrett, reflecting the phonetic shifts and simplifications that often occur in spoken language. By the 18th century, one could find alternate spellings like Degenette and Darnet, as scribes and officials in various countries modified spellings based on local dialects and pronunciation standards. The 19th century witnessed further diversification, with the emergence of the surname DeJarno and Jarnette, likely influenced by immigration patterns and the mingling of different ethnic communities in the Americas. In France, diminutive forms emerged, such as Darnette, which added a familiar and affectionate connotation, while in Spanish-speaking regions, a common adaptation was DeJarnado, reflecting the tendency to incorporate suffixes that provide a sense of belonging or kinship. Additionally, in some parts of Canada, the name transformed into Jarnette, showcasing how geographical mobility and cultural interchange could reshape a surname's appearance and sound over time. Each of these variations speaks to the dynamic nature of family names, illustrating how they can change and evolve, influenced by language, culture, and the sociohistorical contexts in which they exist.

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