Meaning of the Gustavsen family crest symbols

Torse
The torse was originally used to mask the join between helmet and crest but also holds a secondary meaning as a momento given to a crusader by his lady-love, given to him when he left for battle.

Cross
The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.
Meaning of the Gustavsen 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.
Yellow/Gold
The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.

Gustavsen name meaning and origin
Gustavsen is a Scandinavian surname that is derived from the given name Gustav, which means "staff of the gods" or "staff of Geats." It is of Swedish and Norwegian origin, and is commonly found in countries with Scandinavian heritage.

History of family crests like the Gustavsen 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.

Gustavsen name variations and their meaning
The family name Gustavsen has several variations that have emerged over time. These variations often reflect regional differences, dialects, or changes in spelling conventions. One common variation is Gustafsson, which is a Swedish variant of the name. This variation is derived from the Swedish patronymic naming system, where "sson" indicates "son of." Another variation is Gustavson, which is an anglicized form of the name commonly found in English-speaking countries. Similarly, Gustavsson is a variant commonly seen in Scandinavian countries, particularly in Sweden. In some cases, the name may have been shortened to Gustav, dropping the suffix altogether. Additionally, variations like Gustave and Gustavo can be found in countries where the name has been adopted or adapted to fit local naming customs. These variations highlight the diverse ways in which the name Gustavsen has evolved and been adapted across different cultures and languages.

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