Meaning of the Dorton family crest symbols

Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.

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 Dorton 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.
Yellow/Gold
The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.

Dorton name meaning and origin
Dorton is a locational surname of English origin, derived from a place meaning "door" or "gate town," indicative of a settlement near a gate or a prominent entrance to a larger area or city.

History of family crests like the Dorton 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.

Dorton name variations and their meaning
The family name Dorton has seen various spellings and variations throughout history. These variations include Dorton, Dorton, Dorten, Dorton, and Dorton. Each spelling variation may have arisen due to regional dialects, phonetic changes, or even clerical errors during record-keeping. Over time, these variations have led to different branches of the Dorton family, scattered across different regions.
The Dorton surname has also been subject to anglicization, especially when families migrated to English-speaking countries. This has resulted in alternative spellings such as Dorton, Dorton, and Dorton. These variations reflect the adaptability of the name to different linguistic contexts.
Despite the variations, individuals with the Dorton surname share a common ancestry and heritage. They may have diverse family stories, traditions, and cultural practices, but their connection to the Dorton name unites them. Today, descendants of the Dorton family can be found in various parts of the world, each spelling variation representing a unique branch of the family tree.

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