Meaning of the Hendon 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.
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 Hendon 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.
Hendon name meaning and origin
Hendon is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from a place name. It is a compound of the Old English words 'hēan', meaning 'high' and 'dūn', meaning 'hill'. Therefore, the name Hendon can be interpreted as 'from the high hill'. This indicates that the original bearers of the name likely lived or came from an elevated place.
History of family crests like the Hendon 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.
Hendon name variations and their meaning
The family name Hendon has various variations across different regions and cultures. In England, it is commonly spelled as Hendon, which is the most recognized form of the name. However, in Scotland, it can be found as Henden or Hendin. In Ireland, the name may be spelled as Henden or Hinton. In some cases, the name may have been anglicized to Henderson or Hendrickson, particularly in North America. These variations highlight the diverse ways in which the name has evolved and adapted over time. It is fascinating to see how the pronunciation and spelling of the name have changed across different countries and generations. Despite the variations, individuals with the name Hendon or its variations share a common heritage and are part of a larger family network. The different spellings and pronunciations of the name add to its uniqueness and make it an interesting topic of study for genealogists and historians.
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
