Meaning of the Iwakami 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 Iwakami 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.
Yellow/Gold
The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.
Iwakami name meaning and origin
Iwakami is a Japanese surname. It's not of European origin, but in its native Japanese, it carries a rich meaning. The name is composed of two elements: "Iwa" meaning "rock" and "Kami" meaning "god". Thus, Iwakami can be interpreted as "God of Rock". This could possibly signify a family that is strong, reliable, and steadfast, much like a rock.
History of family crests like the Iwakami 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.
Iwakami name variations and their meaning
The family name Iwakami has various spellings and variations across different regions and cultures. In Japan, it is commonly written as 岩上, which translates to "above the rock." This spelling emphasizes the significance of the rock as a symbol of strength and stability. However, there are other variations of the name, such as 岩神, which means "rock god" and highlights a divine connection to nature. In some cases, the name may be written using different kanji characters, resulting in variations like 石上, meaning "above the stone," or 磐上, which signifies being "above the boulder." Outside of Japan, the name may undergo further modifications to suit different languages and cultures. For instance, in English-speaking countries, it might be spelled as Iwakami or Iwakamy, while in other languages, it could be adapted to Iwakamov, Iwakamovski, or Iwakamian. These variations reflect the diverse ways in which the name Iwakami has evolved and been adapted by different individuals and communities over time.
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
