Donavan family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Donavan 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.

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 Donavan 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.

Donavan name meaning and origin

The surname Donavan has Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic name Ó Dubháin, meaning descendant of Dubhán. The name Dubhán itself means black or dark, often referring to a dark-haired person. Donavan is primarily found in Ireland and among Irish communities globally.

History of family crests like the Donavan 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.

Donavan name variations and their meaning

Variations of the family name Donavan showcase the rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural evolution over the centuries. In Ireland, the name has transformed into forms such as Donavan, Donovan, and Donnabháin, where the latter reflects the historical Gaelic pronunciation and spelling, particularly evident in the 17th century. Meanwhile, migration and the influence of English-speaking countries saw the emergence of the anglicized Donovan in the 19th century, which became prevalent in the United States, creating a unique identity for Irish immigrants. In Australia, the name has occasionally been spelled as Donoven, revealing the colloquial adaptation to local dialects in the 20th century. Additionally, variations such as Donavon and Dunavan reflect phonetic spellings that arose during the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing the interplay between linguistic fluidity and cultural identity through generations.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: