Meaning of the Fedder 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.
Roundel
The roundel is believed to be a symbol from the times of the crusade and represents the family's belief in the importance of justice. It was used as a mark of those who pursued justice with vigor and brought others to justice.
Meaning of the Fedder 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.
Fedder name meaning and origin
Fedder is a surname of German origin, derived from the word "Feder," meaning feather. It may have originally referred to someone who worked with feathers or was light and agile in nature. The name signifies a connection to craftsmanship or characteristics associated with feathers.
History of family crests like the Fedder 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.
Fedder name variations and their meaning
Variations of the family name Fedder can be observed across different cultures and languages, highlighting the adaptability of names over time. In Germany, the name appears as Föder, showcasing a common practice during the 19th century of altering spelling to reflect regional dialects and pronunciation. Meanwhile, in Scandinavian countries, the name often evolves into Federsen or Feddersen, with the suffix denoting "son of," a trend that emerged in the early 20th century as patronymic naming practices became formalized. In the 18th century, English translations of surnames led to the adaptation of Fedder to Feather, an example of how phonetic resemblance influenced name variations in England. In contrast, communities in Eastern Europe might have rendered the name as Fedorov or Fedrova in the 17th century, reflecting the Slavic linguistic influences and the common practice of using suffixes to indicate familial lineage. Each variation not only illustrates linguistic evolution but also the migration and intermingling of cultures throughout the centuries.
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
