Meaning of the Illman 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.
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 Illman 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.
Illman name meaning and origin
The family name Illman has English origins, often derived from a medieval personal name meaning noble or illustrious man. It can also be linked to occupations, suggesting a historical connection to skilled labor or trades, reflecting a family’s respected status in their community.
History of family crests like the Illman 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.
Illman name variations and their meaning
Illman has numerous intriguing variations that reflect linguistic evolution and cultural nuances across different regions. In Scandinavia, for instance, the name can be found as Ihlmann, a variation that emerged around the 17th century, influenced by the Nordic languages' phonetic shifts and their penchant for compound naming. As we move to the German-speaking regions, the variant Ilmann surfaced around the 19th century, likely arising from regional dialects that favored the assimilation of vowels in family surnames. Meanwhile, the 20th century witnessed the emergence of the name Ilmone in Italian contexts, where phonetic shifts and local naming conventions transformed Illman into a more melodious form, appreciated in the southern part of the country. Furthermore, in the English-speaking world, variations such as Illmanne could be traced back to the 18th century, reflecting an English tendency to anglicize foreign names while enjoying the embellishment of -e endings. Overall, these variations highlight the rich tapestry of cultural interchange, phonetic adaptation, and regional identity associated with the Illman 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
