Meaning of the Hirtzel 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.

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 Hirtzel 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.

Hirtzel name meaning and origin
The family name Hirtzel is of European origin. It is derived from the Germanic personal name "Hrzl," which means "hardy" or "brave." The name may have been used to describe someone who displayed qualities of courage and strength.

History of family crests like the Hirtzel 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.

Hirtzel name variations and their meaning
The family name Hirtzel has various spellings and variations across different regions and time periods. These variations include Hirtzle, Hirtzelman, Hirtzler, Hirtzleman, Hirtzlin, Hirtzlein, and Hirtzleben, among others. These different spellings may have emerged due to factors such as regional dialects, phonetic changes, or even personal preferences.
Over time, as families migrated or settled in different areas, the spelling of their surname may have been altered to fit the local language or customs. This resulted in a wide range of variations for the name Hirtzel. Additionally, individuals within the same family may have chosen to spell their name differently, leading to further variations.
Today, descendants of the Hirtzel family can be found across the globe, each with their own unique spelling of the name. Despite the variations, these individuals share a common ancestry and heritage, connecting them through their shared family name.

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