Meaning of the Hollowood 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.

Cross
The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.
Meaning of the Hollowood coat of arms colors
Black
The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Hollowood name meaning and origin
Hollowood is an English surname that likely originates from geographical locations characterized by hollow woods or wooded areas. It reflects a connection to nature and may denote someone living near a wooded hollow. The name carries historical significance linked to English heritage and landscape.
History of family crests like the Hollowood 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.
Hollowood name variations and their meaning
Throughout the centuries, the family name Hollowood has spawned various interesting variations, reflecting both linguistic evolution and regional adaptations. In the 16th century, the name began to transform in England, giving rise to forms like Holwood and Hollowood, as dialectal shifts influenced pronunciation and spelling. During the 17th century, migration led to its adaptation in North America, where it became increasingly common to see it spelled as Holloway, influenced by both English settlers and phonetic interpretations from settlers of Dutch and German descent. Meanwhile, in the 18th century, the name found its way into Scottish records as Holowood, possibly influenced by the distinctiveness of Scots Gaelic pronunciations. The 19th century further saw its adaptation in Australia and New Zealand, where newcomers often anglicized and simplified surnames, resulting in variations such as Holwood and Hollowhead. As these variations developed across different regions and eras, they showcased the rich tapestry of cultural and linguistic influences that shaped the 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
