Highman family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Highman 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.

Feathers

The feathers have been used for centuries to represent family member's characteristics of peace, tranquility, and a sense of calmness. They are a powerful symbol of hope and a reminder of the beauty of life.

Meaning of the Highman 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.

Highman name meaning and origin

Highman is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "heah," meaning high or tall, and "mann," meaning man. Therefore, the surname Highman likely originally referred to a tall or high-ranking man.

History of family crests like the Highman 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.

Highman name variations and their meaning

Throughout history, the family name Highman has branched into various intriguing variations across different countries, influenced by linguistic shifts and cultural adaptations. In the 16th century, the name saw variations such as Heighman in England, emerging from local dialects that favored simpler phonetics. By the 17th century, as families migrated, the name morphed into Hyman in North America, reflecting the American English tendency to simplify consonant clusters. In Eastern European contexts, particularly in Poland, Highman adapted to appropriate local phonetics, resulting in variants like Higman or Hyjman, showcasing Slavic linguistic patterns. The 18th century also witnessed the name evolving in German-speaking regions to form Heighmann, capturing the German custom of compounding letters and sounds. Meanwhile, in the 19th century, the Jewish diaspora brought forth variations such as Hayman in Yiddish-speaking communities, accentuating the influence of Hebrew phonology. In contemporary times, the name Highman appears with varying degrees, such as Ikerman and Ighman, illustrating how globalization and immigration continue to influence surname variations. Each of these adaptations not only reveals the phonetic evolution but also serves as a historical marker of migration, cultural integration, and the intersection of language through the centuries.

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