Meaning of the Devries 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 Devries 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.
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.
Devries name meaning and origin
The family name Devries is of Dutch origin, meaning "the Frisian." It historically referred to people from Friesland, a region in the northern Netherlands. The name signifies a strong connection to Dutch heritage and regional identity, often linked to agriculture and land ownership.
History of family crests like the Devries 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.
Devries name variations and their meaning
The family name Devries has seen an intriguing evolution over the centuries, adapting to different linguistic and cultural influences as it spread across various regions. In the 14th century, as people began to migrate and intermarry, Devries started to take on forms such as Devriesche in the Netherlands, which reflects the added suffix indicating locality and family lineage. By the 17th century, as settlers traveled to North America, variations like Devries became anglicized, resulting in names like DeVries and Devrise, which were easier for English speakers to pronounce and spell. Meanwhile, in the 19th century, the name also saw adaptations in regions like South Africa, where it appeared as De Vries, integrating Dutch influences with local Afrikaans language, showcasing the impact of colonial interactions. In France, the surname evolved into variations such as Deveaux, influenced by the French penchant for phonetic spelling and softer consonant sounds prevalent in the local dialects during the same period. As we moved into the 20th century, the emergence of modern naming conventions led to some more creative adaptations, including hyphenated forms like Devries-Smith or even popularized pseudo-variations in communities that sought to express a unique identity while retaining a connection to their heritage. Each iteration of the family name Devries exemplifies how language can shape identity, reflecting the dynamic history of migration, cultural interaction, and linguistic transformation spanning several 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
