Meaning of the Fanelli family crest symbols
Bird - Eagle
The eagle symbolizes how early family members were considered people of action, quick-wittedness and a noble nature. When the wings are visible, this can additionally represent 'protection' and the protective powers of the family.
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 Fanelli 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.
Fanelli name meaning and origin
Fanelli is a surname with Italian roots. It derives from the personal name 'Fanone', which was a diminutive of the medieval name 'Stefano', meaning 'crown' or 'garland' in Greek. So, essentially, Fanelli could be interpreted as 'little crown' or 'little garland'. This surname is widespread throughout central and southern Italy, indicating that the lineage may have originated from these regions.
History of family crests like the Fanelli 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.
Fanelli name variations and their meaning
The family name Fanelli has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Italy, it is commonly spelled as Fanello or Faneli. These variations are often seen in different parts of the country, reflecting the regional dialects and accents. In some cases, the name may also be spelled as Fanelle or Fanello, adding an extra "e" or "o" at the end.
Outside of Italy, the name may undergo further changes. In English-speaking countries, it is often anglicized as Fannell or Fannelli. This alteration is a result of the pronunciation and spelling conventions in the English language. Similarly, in Spanish-speaking countries, the name may be adapted as Fanello or Faneli, incorporating the phonetic rules of the Spanish language.
These variations in the spelling of the family name Fanelli highlight the diverse cultural influences and linguistic adaptations that occur as names travel across different regions and languages. Despite the differences in spelling, these variations all represent branches of the same family tree, connecting individuals across borders and generations.
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
