Meaning of the Iwashita 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 Iwashita 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.
Iwashita name meaning and origin
The family name Iwashita originates from Japan. It typically combines the characters "iwa," meaning rock or stone, and "shita," meaning under or beneath. Thus, it conveys a sense of being situated under a rock or stone, possibly indicating strength and stability in ancestry.
History of family crests like the Iwashita 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.
Iwashita name variations and their meaning
Variations of the family name Iwashita reflect a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural adaptation across centuries. In the 17th century, Japanese regional dialects began to influence the spelling and pronunciation of surnames, leading to forms like Iwashida, where the suffix shifted to match local phonetics. By the 19th century, as Japanese emigrants spread to places like Brazil, the name further transformed into Iwashita da Silva, integrating into Portuguese linguistic norms. In the early 20th century, with the rise of global migration, variations appeared in North America, such as Iwashitan, as communities reconfigured names to ease English pronunciation. Over time, these diverse adaptations reveal how historical movements and local languages can shape a family's identifiable mark across generations and geographies.
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
