Meaning of the Diffey family crest symbols
Torse
The torse was originally used to mask the join between helmet and crest but also holds a secondary meaning as a momento given to a crusader by his lady-love, given to him when he left for battle.
Roundel
The roundel is believed to be a symbol from the times of the crusade and represents the family's belief in the importance of justice. It was used as a mark of those who pursued justice with vigor and brought others to justice.
Meaning of the Diffey 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.
Diffey name meaning and origin
The family name Diffey is of English origin, likely derived from the medieval personal name Dufy, meaning "gifted" or "brave." It reflects a common practice of surnames evolving from given names, highlighting personal characteristics or attributes associated with the individual.
History of family crests like the Diffey 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.
Diffey name variations and their meaning
Diffey, a fascinating family name, has seen intriguing variations throughout different cultures and centuries. In England during the 15th and 16th centuries, the name transformed into Duffy, a phonetic adaptation that resonated with the changing pronunciation trends of Middle English. Meanwhile, in the same period, some regions of Ireland adopted the Anglicized version, ultimately leading to the emergence of O'Duffy. As migration patterns shifted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, variations like Difey and Duffy emerged in North America, shaped by the linguistic influences of diverse immigrant populations. Additionally, in modern European contexts, such as in France, the name can be found as Diffé, reflecting regional dialects and the simplification of sounds over time. Exploring these variations illustrates the dynamic nature of familial names in response to historical and linguistic developments across 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
