Meaning of the Gerrits 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 Gerrits 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.
Gerrits name meaning and origin
Gerrits is a patronymic surname hailing from the Netherlands. "Gerrit" itself is a Dutch variant of the name "Gerard", meaning "brave with a spear". So, the family name Gerrits essentially translates to "son of Gerrit" or "son of the brave with a spear". It's a surname that reflects not only familial lineage but also qualities of bravery and strength.
History of family crests like the Gerrits 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.
Gerrits name variations and their meaning
The family name Gerrits has several variations across different regions and cultures. In the Netherlands, it is commonly spelled as Gerritsen or Gerritszoon. The addition of "en" or "zoon" signifies "son of Gerrit," indicating a patronymic naming tradition. In Germany, the name is often written as Geritz or Geritzmann. This variation suggests a possible Germanic influence on the name. In English-speaking countries, the name may be anglicized as Garrett or Garretson. These variations reflect the adaptation of the name to fit the phonetic patterns of the English language. Additionally, in some Scandinavian countries, the name may appear as Gerretsen or Gerretson, indicating a possible Scandinavian influence. These variations demonstrate how family names can evolve and change over time as they are passed down through generations and across different cultures. Despite the different spellings, these variations all share a common ancestry and represent the diverse branches of the Gerrits family tree.
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
