Heritage family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Heritage family crest symbols

Shield - Chevron

The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.

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 Heritage 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.

Red

The red color (known as Gules) traditionally symbolized martyrdom and the historic military strength of family members when called upon in times of war.

Heritage name meaning and origin

The family name Heritage denotes a sense of tradition, legacy, and inheritance passed down through generations. It represents a connection to one's past, roots, and ancestry, highlighting the importance of honoring and preserving familial customs, values, and heritage.

History of family crests like the Heritage 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.

Heritage name variations and their meaning

The family name Heritage has seen intriguing variations throughout different cultures and centuries, each reflecting the linguistic and social transformations of its era. In the 15th century, as English surnames began to solidify, one notable variation emerged in the form of Heritag, which showcased the phonetic shifts characteristic of Middle English. Meanwhile, in France, the influence of Norman conquests brought about the surname Héritier during the 12th century, which adapted to the local linguistic patterns while preserving the essence of the original name. By the 17th century, across the Atlantic, the colonial experience led to a further transformation, resulting in variations like Heretage in colonial Canada, merging French influences with English colonization linguistics. In Italy, the name could take the form Eredità in the 14th century, influenced by the Italian word for inheritance, highlighting regional dialects. In Eastern Europe, particularly among Slavic nations in the 18th century, Heritage transformed into an assortment of variants such as Yerić or Jerik, often modified for phonetic compatibility within different Slavic languages. These variations not only illustrate the adaptability of the name across linguistic barriers but also encapsulate the rich historical contexts in which they evolved, revealing how a single root name can branch out into diverse and culturally significant iterations.

Find your family crest

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