Kanno family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Kanno 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 - Fess

The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.

Meaning of the Kanno 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.

Blue

The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.

Kanno name meaning and origin

Kanno is a Japanese surname that can mean "rice field" or "marsh" depending on the kanji used. It is often associated with families who historically lived near water sources or engaged in agriculture. The name reflects a connection to nature and the countryside.

History of family crests like the Kanno 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.

Kanno name variations and their meaning

The family name Kanno has seen a fascinating evolution in its variations across different cultures and languages. In Japan, the name might morph into Kanu or Kanou, reflecting regional dialects and phonetic adaptations as seen in the 17th and 18th centuries. During the 19th century, as Japanese emigrated to Hawaii and the Americas, the surname often transformed into Kanno or Kaanu, due to the influence of English phonetics, leading to diverse spellings and pronunciations. In the late 20th century, globalization and migration introduced variants like Kanno and Kanuo, as communities sought to maintain cultural identity while integrating into new societies. Meanwhile, in Western contexts, the name may appear with added suffixes or prefixes, such as McKanno or Kanno-Smith, blending with traditions of family name construction that were prevalent from the 16th through the 21st centuries. Each variation tells a unique story of adaptation and resilience, reflecting both the mobility of families and the intricate tapestry of language evolution.

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