Douglas family crest

 

Colors on the Douglas family crest explained

Argent (silver) - signifies a peaceful and sincere nature. Two things the Douglas family were known for.

Azure (blue) - represents the Douglas family's loyalty and truthful nature.

Gules (red) - symbolizes martyrdom and the historic military strength of the Douglas family when called upon.

 

  Symbols on the Douglas family crest explained 

The three stars - symbolize the noble and good qualities of Douglas family members, It also represents additional divine characteristics granted from a higher power.

The heart - symbolizes the sincere and charitable nature of family members.

The crown - signifies authority either in relation to royalty, societal standing or military ranking.

The lizard - represents wisdom and the successful pursuit of wisdom by the ancient Douglas family members.

The lizard/salamander and flame - represents wisdom and the successful pursuit of wisdom by this ancient family.

 

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Origins of the Douglas family name

The Douglas family name is thought to have originated in the Scottish Highlands.

The name is derived from the Gaelic word dubh, meaning "dark" or "black" stream. Referring to those who came from an area near a river.

The first recorded use of the name was in the 12th century, when a man named 'Dougal' was mentioned in a charter granted by King David I of Scotland.

 

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Summary of the Douglas family and the Douglas family crest

• The Douglases were a powerful and influential clan in the Scottish Highlands for centuries.

• The family originally settled in the Scottish Borders, in the area around the River Douglas.

• The Douglases were a powerful and influential family in the Borders, and played a major role in the history of the region.

• They were involved in many clan wars and feuds, and their territory was often the site of battles between rival clans.

• The family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early rolls of the Knights of the Shire of Lanark in the 12th century.

• The Douglases supported Robert the Bruce in the Wars of Scottish Independence, and their loyalty was rewarded with lands and titles.

• The most famous Douglas was James Douglas, the "Black Douglas", who was a close friend and companion of Robert the Bruce.

• History also remembers William Douglas, Earl of Douglas, who was one of the most powerful men in Scotland in the 14th century.

• The Douglases were also responsible for the building of many of the great Border abbeys, including Melrose and Jedburgh.

• The family's power and influence declined in the late 15th century, and they were forced to flee Scotland after being defeated at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547.

• Many of the Douglases settled in France and Italy, and the family name is still common in both countries.

• The Douglas family name in America can be traced back to the early 1600s, when a family by the name of Douglas emigrated from Scotland to the Colony of Virginia.

• Since then, the Douglas family name has been found in many different parts of the United States, as the family members have moved around over the years.

• The Douglas family name is still common in the Scottish Highlands, and there are many famous people with the name, including the Duke of Douglas.