Jelley family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Jelley family crest symbols

Star

The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.

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 Jelley 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.

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.

Jelley name meaning and origin

Jelley is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old French word "gelée," meaning jelly or gelatin. Historically, it may have referred to someone who made or sold jelly products. The name is relatively uncommon and has roots in medieval English culinary traditions.

History of family crests like the Jelley 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.

Jelley name variations and their meaning

Exploring the variations of the family name Jelley reveals a fascinating tapestry shaped by linguistic evolution across different regions and historical contexts. In the 17th century, the name began to adopt various spellings, with "Jelly" emerging as a common alternative in England, likely influenced by phonetic shifts in local dialects. Meanwhile, in the 18th century, migration patterns introduced Jelley to other countries, leading to adaptations like "Gele" in France and "Jele" in Germany, reflecting the phonetic preferences and orthographic conventions of those languages. By the 19th century, as families moved to North America, further variations such as "Jelley" transformed to "Jellie," influenced by English settlers' attempts to standardize spelling amidst diverse cultural influences. Each iteration captures an element of the family's journey through time, highlighting how language and identity intertwine with geography and history.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: