Meaning of the Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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.
Edinburgh name meaning and origin
The surname Edinburgh typically refers to origins linked to the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. It suggests a geographical connection, possibly indicating someone from the area or associated with it. The name embodies heritage, often relating to historic significance and cultural identity within Scottish history.
History of family crests like the Edinburgh 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.
Edinburgh name variations and their meaning
Edinburgh, a name evocative of rich history, exhibits fascinating variations that reflect its evolution across different languages and cultures over the centuries. In the 17th century, the name saw adaptations like Edinburg and Edinboro, which emerged primarily in English-speaking regions, where phonetic shifts and spelling simplifications occurred. The 18th century brought about Edinburgh variations such as Эдинбург (Yedinburg) in Russian, illustrating how Slavic languages often modify names to fit their phonetic systems and linguistic structures. Moving into the 19th century, the name took on forms like Edinburgue in French, showcasing how the French language adopted the name while adding its own unique flair, often in the context of historical narratives or literary references. By the 20th century, the name experienced a modern twist with the emergence of names like Edinbrough in some American contexts, reflecting a blend of Scottish heritage with American English influences. In contrast, the 21st century has witnessed the rise of digital and online influences, leading to creative variations like Edinfluencer or Edin-gig, as new generations experiment with identity and location-based branding, indicating the ongoing adaptability and transformation of the name within contemporary culture. Thus, the variations of Edinburgh not only showcase linguistic flexibility but also encapsulate historical migrations, cultural exchanges, and the dynamic nature of naming practices throughout the 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
