Meaning of the Heimlich 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.

Bird - Martlet/Martlette
The martlet bird is a symbol of the speed and agility of family members to act quickly and decisively when needed. They represent the swiftness of thought and action that is necessary to protect and care for one's family.
Meaning of the Heimlich 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.
Heimlich name meaning and origin
Heimlich is a surname of German origin. It translates to "secret" or "private" in English. This name was often given to individuals who were discreet, reserved, or had a secretive nature. It's also possible that it was used to denote someone who lived in a secluded or hidden place.
History of family crests like the Heimlich 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.
Heimlich name variations and their meaning
The family name Heimlich has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Germany, it is commonly spelled as Heimlich, which is the most recognized form of the name. However, in other countries, such as Austria and Switzerland, it can be found as Heimlik or Heimlick. These variations might be due to regional dialects or historical influences.
In English-speaking countries, the name is often anglicized as Hemlick or Hemlich. This alteration could be a result of pronunciation differences or the assimilation of immigrants into the English language. Similarly, in French-speaking regions, the name might be spelled as Heimlique or Hemlique, reflecting the phonetic adaptation to the French language.
It is fascinating to observe how a single family name can have multiple variations, each representing the cultural and linguistic diversity of different regions. These variations not only add richness to the family's history but also highlight the global interconnectedness of individuals and their heritage.
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
