Dunkley family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Dunkley family crest symbols

Shield - Chevron

The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.

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 Dunkley 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.

Dunkley name meaning and origin

Dunkley is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning "dry meadow," from the Old English elements "dūn," meaning hill or dry, and "lēah," meaning meadow or clearing.

History of family crests like the Dunkley 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.

Dunkley name variations and their meaning

The family name Dunkley has various variations across different regions and time periods. One common variation is Dunckley, which is often found in historical records. Another variation is Dunklee, which is more commonly seen in the United States. Additionally, there are variations such as Dunkly, Dunkeley, and Dunklay that have been documented in different parts of the world. These variations may have emerged due to factors like regional dialects, phonetic changes, or even personal preferences. Over time, as families migrated and settled in different areas, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have evolved, leading to the creation of these variations. Despite the differences in spelling, these variations still represent branches of the same family tree. Today, individuals with the surname Dunkley and its variations can be found in various countries, making it a diverse and widespread family name.

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