Meaning of the Eye 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 - Fess
The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.
Meaning of the Eye 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.
Eye name meaning and origin
Eye is an English surname of topographic origin, referring to those who originally lived near a river, stream, or spring, also known as a "water eye" in ancient English. The name is primarily derived from Old English "ēg" or "īeg," meaning island, but was commonly used to denote a piece of land surrounded by water, such as a river or marsh. Therefore, individuals bearing the surname 'Eye' could have likely been dwellers near such geographical features.
History of family crests like the Eye 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.
Eye name variations and their meaning
The family name "Eye" has various variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is "Eyes," which adds an "s" to the end of the name. This variation could have originated from a pluralization of the name or as a way to differentiate between different branches of the family. Another variation is "Iye," which replaces the "e" with an "i." This change could have occurred due to regional accents or dialects, or it could be a result of misspellings or transcription errors. Additionally, the name "Ei" is another variation that simplifies the spelling by removing the final "e." This could be a result of phonetic pronunciation or a desire for a shorter, more concise name. Overall, these variations of the family name "Eye" demonstrate the flexibility and evolution of surnames 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
