Meaning of the Engh family crest symbols

Star
The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.
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 Engh 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.
Engh name meaning and origin
The family name Engh is of Dutch and Scandinavian origin, often believed to derive from a geographic descriptor meaning "narrow" or "low-lying land." It is associated with families from the Netherlands and has historical significance in regional identity and cultural heritage.
History of family crests like the Engh 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.
Engh name variations and their meaning
Exploring the family name Engh reveals a fascinating tapestry of variations influenced by cultural and linguistic shifts over the centuries. In Scandinavia, for instance, the name has morphed into variations like Eng and Engholm, reflecting the region's use of suffixes that denote location or lineage. During the 17th century, as migration patterns shifted, communities in the Netherlands began to adopt forms like Enghuis or Enghans, intertwining the name with local naming customs. Meanwhile, the 19th century saw the emergence of Engle in English-speaking areas, possibly inspired by phonetic adaptations and anglicization trends of the time. In Germany, the name took on a slightly different flavor, developing into variations such as Engel or Engler, demonstrating how familial names can pivot and adapt in response to the phonetic influences of regional dialects. By the 20th century, as global connections increased, the name Engh spread beyond its original borders, resulting in diverse adaptations that reflect the multilingual interactions of contemporary society. Each variation underscores the dynamic nature of names in relation to cultural evolution and societal changes over time.
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
