Meaning of the Jonsson 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 Jonsson 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.
Jonsson name meaning and origin
Jonsson is a Scandinavian patronymic surname meaning "son of Jon," with Jon being a variation of the name John. It is a common last name in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, typically indicating descent from a man named Jon or John.
History of family crests like the Jonsson 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.
Jonsson name variations and their meaning
The variations of the family name Jonsson can be quite diverse and intriguing. In Sweden, it is common to see variations such as Jönsson or Jonsen, which reflect the different regional dialects and pronunciations of the name. In Norway, one might come across the variation Jonassen, highlighting the influence of Norse language and culture on the surname. In Denmark, the name might appear as Jønsson, showcasing the unique Danish alphabet and phonetics. Throughout the centuries, these variations have evolved as a result of linguistic shifts and assimilation of different languages. In the Middle Ages, the surname likely originated as "Jóns son" in Old Norse, signifying "son of Jon." As languages and dialects changed over time, so too did the spelling and pronunciation of the name. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, when standardized spelling became more prevalent, variations like Jonsson, Jönsson, and Jonassen started to become more common. Today, these variations demonstrate the rich linguistic history and cultural diversity reflected in the name Jonsson.
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
