Farrelly family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Farrelly family crest symbols

Lion (standing)

The lion symbol represents the ferocious nature of family members, their bravery and valor. It is one of the oldest symbols in heraldry and is considered to be one of the most desirable to have on a coat of arms.

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 Farrelly 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.

Farrelly name meaning and origin

Farrelly is a surname of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Fearghaile, which means "descendant of Fearghal." The name Fearghal itself is composed of two elements: "fear," meaning man, and "gal," meaning valor. Therefore, the name Farrelly can be interpreted as "descendant of the man of valor." This name was prevalent among families in the counties of Cavan and Monaghan in Ireland.

History of family crests like the Farrelly 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.

Farrelly name variations and their meaning

The family name Farrelly has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Farrell, which is a shortened form of the original name. This variation is often used as a standalone surname and is more widely recognized than the full name. Another variation is Farley, which is similar in pronunciation but has a slightly different spelling. This variation may have originated from regional dialects or personal preferences. Additionally, there are variations such as Farrel, Farrelle, and Farrelley, which maintain the original spelling but may have different pronunciations or regional associations. These variations could have been influenced by factors such as migration, intermarriage, or changes in language over generations. Regardless of the specific variation, individuals with the Farrelly surname share a common ancestry and can trace their roots back to a common origin. The variations in the name reflect the diverse paths that different branches of the family have taken throughout history.

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