Meaning of the Heffner family crest symbols
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.
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 Heffner 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.
Heffner name meaning and origin
Heffner is a German surname that is derived from the personal name Hefner, which means "steward" or "manager." It is believed to have originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a steward or manager on a farm or estate.
History of family crests like the Heffner 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.
Heffner name variations and their meaning
The family name Heffner has several variations that have emerged over time. These variations include Hefner, Heffener, and Heffnerer. Each variation adds a unique twist to the original name, while still maintaining its core essence. These variations may have originated due to regional dialects, pronunciation differences, or simply personal preference.
The variation Hefner is a common alternative to Heffner. It retains the same phonetic sound but replaces the double "f" with a single "f." This variation may have been influenced by spelling simplification or a desire to differentiate oneself from others with a similar name.
Heffener is another variation that adds an extra "e" between the double "f" and "n." This alteration could have been a result of regional accents or a desire to create a more distinct surname.
Lastly, the variation Heffnerer adds an additional "er" at the end of the name. This elongation could have been a way to emphasize the family's connection to the original Heffner name or to create a more unique and memorable surname.
Overall, these variations of the family name Heffner showcase the flexibility and adaptability of surnames over time.
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
