Hessel family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Hessel 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.

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 Hessel 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.

Hessel name meaning and origin

Hessel is a surname of Dutch origin, derived from the first name Hessel, which means "the one who is faithful" or "God's promise." It is commonly found in the Netherlands and has historical roots linked to the genealogy of various families.

History of family crests like the Hessel 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.

Hessel name variations and their meaning

Throughout the centuries, the Hessel family name has witnessed a fascinating evolution, resulting in diverse variations across different countries. In Germany, the name may have morphed into Hessler, reflecting the linguistic trend of adding suffixes to indicate regional ancestry during the 16th and 17th centuries. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, one might encounter Hesselink, which gained traction in the 18th century as Dutch naming conventions favored adding diminutive or patronymic endings. Moving to Scandinavia, the name sometimes appears as Hesselström or Hesselgren, influenced by the Nordic language’s habit of incorporating geographical elements or suffixes like -ström (stream) and -gren (branch) during the 19th century. In English-speaking regions, variations such as Hesselton or Hesselby have manifested, showcasing the trend of adding anglicized endings during the 19th and 20th centuries as immigrant families sought to assimilate. Each variation reveals the interplay of cultural and linguistic shifts, enriching the narrative behind the Hessel name across time and geography.

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