Meaning of the Kennelly family crest symbols
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Lion (standing)
The lion symbol represents the ferocious nature of family members, their bravery and valor. It is one of the oldest symbols in heraldry and is considered to be one of the most desirable to have on a coat of arms.
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 Kennelly 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.
Red
The red color (known as Gules) traditionally symbolized martyrdom and the historic military strength of family members when called upon in times of war.
Kennelly name meaning and origin
Kennelly is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the personal name "Cinnéide", meaning "helmeted head". It is believed to have originated in County Kerry in Ireland.
History of family crests like the Kennelly 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.
Kennelly name variations and their meaning
The family name Kennelly has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Ireland, it is commonly spelled as O'Kennelly or O'Kenneally, reflecting the Gaelic tradition of using the prefix "O" to indicate "descendant of." This variation emphasizes the family's ancestral connection and heritage. In some cases, the name may also be spelled as Kenneally or Kenelly, dropping the "O" prefix but still retaining the core identity of the name.
Outside of Ireland, the name Kennelly may have further variations due to anglicization or adaptation to different languages. For instance, in the United States, it is not uncommon to find the name spelled as Kinelly or Kinnelly. These variations reflect the phonetic interpretation of the name by English-speaking individuals. Similarly, in other countries, the name may undergo slight changes to fit the local pronunciation or spelling conventions.
Overall, the variations of the family name Kennelly highlight the diverse ways in which the name has evolved and been adapted across different regions and cultures.
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
