Meaning of the Device 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.

Cross
The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.
Meaning of the Device 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.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Device name meaning and origin
The family name Device is of Old French origin derived from the word "devis," meaning a division or a marking. It likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a boundary marker or surveyor.
History of family crests like the Device 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.
Device name variations and their meaning
The family name Device has seen intriguing variations across different cultures and languages, reflecting the rich tapestry of its journey through history. In England, during the 13th century, the name may have evolved into Devise, perhaps influenced by the Middle English dialects that shaped local nomenclature. By the 14th century, the surname began to manifest in spellings such as Devis and Deevys, highlighting regional pronunciation shifts. In France, the evolution might have given rise to variations like devis or deviseur, particularly as French speakers adopted and adapted the name in the 15th century, intertwining it with local customs and phonetic preferences. Moving into the 17th century, Spanish-speaking regions saw the emergence of El Deviso, incorporating the Spanish article "El" and thus localizing the name while creating a distinction in identity. These transformations continued into the 18th century, where across Italian borders, one could find forms like Devisio, illustrating the fluidity of the name’s adaptation to suit different linguistic structures. Each variation not only signifies a geographical shift but also captures the ethos and linguistic rhythms of the surrounding cultures, painting a vivid picture of the surname's evolution throughout the 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
