Meaning of the Hamley 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 - 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 Hamley 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.
Hamley name meaning and origin
Hamley is a surname of ancient Norman origin. It is derived from the old French word "Hamelet" which means "small village". This indicates that the bearers of the name likely hailed from a quaint, close-knit community. In England, it was popularized in Cornwall and Devon regions where the name bearers settled after the Norman Conquest. The name may also have geographical roots, tying individuals to specific locations named Hamley, such as Hamley Bridge in South Australia.
History of family crests like the Hamley 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.
Hamley name variations and their meaning
The family name Hamley has various variations across different regions and time periods. One common variation is Hamly, which is a simplified version of the original name. Another variation is Hamleye, which adds an extra "e" at the end, possibly to indicate a plural form or to differentiate between different branches of the family. In some cases, the name may have been anglicized to Hamleigh, reflecting a change in pronunciation or spelling over time. Additionally, there are variations like Hamlin and Hamlyn, which could have originated from different regions or through different family lines. These variations highlight the fluidity and adaptability of surnames, as they can change and evolve over generations. Whether it's Hamley, Hamly, Hamleye, Hamleigh, Hamlin, or Hamlyn, each variation represents a unique branch of the family tree, with its own history and story to tell.
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
