Meaning of the Kearns 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.
Roundel
The roundel is believed to be a symbol from the times of the crusade and represents the family's belief in the importance of justice. It was used as a mark of those who pursued justice with vigor and brought others to justice.
Meaning of the Kearns 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.
Kearns name meaning and origin
The family name Kearns is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Ciaráin," meaning "descendant of Ciarán." Ciarán is a popular Irish given name that means "dark" or "black." The Kearns surname is commonly found in counties Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon in Ireland.
History of family crests like the Kearns 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.
Kearns name variations and their meaning
The family name Kearns has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Kerns, which is believed to have originated from the same root name. Another variation is Kearn, which is a shortened form of the original name. Additionally, some individuals with this family name may spell it as Kearnes or Kearney, adding an extra letter or changing the ending to create a unique variation. These variations may have developed due to regional dialects or personal preferences. It is also possible that different branches of the family adopted different spellings over time, leading to the variations we see today. Regardless of the specific variation, individuals with the Kearns family name share a common ancestry and heritage. These variations add to the richness and diversity of the family name, reflecting the unique identities and histories of each individual within the Kearns family.
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
