Meaning of the Excellent 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.
Tree
The great tree signifies a long lasting age of the family. It was used as an icon of ultimate strength and endurance. It represents those families with grand heritage and their ability to last the test of time.
Meaning of the Excellent coat of arms colors
Black
The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.
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.
Excellent name meaning and origin
The family name Excellent suggests a lineage associated with high quality or superiority. It may imply a heritage marked by notable achievements or distinguished traits. Often, such names originated from personal attributes or community recognition, reflecting a legacy of excellence across generations.
History of family crests like the Excellent 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.
Excellent name variations and their meaning
The family name Excellent has inspired a fascinating array of variations across different cultures and languages. In the 12th century, as names began to reflect social status and personal attributes, one common variation in England emerged as Excellency, which not only retained a similar phonetic quality but also adapted to the English linguistic context. By the 15th century, the name morphed in France to Excellente, influenced by the French penchant for feminine suffixes in surnames. Moving into the Italian Renaissance of the 16th century, the surname evolved into Eccellente, showcasing the Italian language’s inclination towards melodic and elongated forms. In the Slavic regions during the 18th century, one could encounter Ekselentov, which reflects the regional practice of adding suffixes to denote lineage, thus providing a sense of belonging to a particular family tree. As global migration increased in the 19th century, the name further diversified into variants like Eccelente in Spanish-speaking countries, embodying the shifting patterns of language and culture that highlight the rich tapestry of human connections and histories borne by this singular name.
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
