Keown family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Keown family crest symbols

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.

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 Keown 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.

Keown name meaning and origin

Keown is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Mac Eoghain" which means "son of Eoghan". The name Eoghan is believed to mean "born of the yew tree". Therefore, the surname Keown is often associated with ancestry or lineage that has strong, enduring characteristics, similar to a yew tree. This surname is prevalent in counties Donegal and Monaghan in Ireland.

History of family crests like the Keown 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.

Keown name variations and their meaning

The family name Keown has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Keon, which is a simplified version of the original name. Another variation is Keowne, which adds an extra letter to the end of the name. Keownes is another variation that adds both an extra letter and an "s" to the end. Additionally, some individuals with the Keown surname may choose to spell it as Keownes, with an "es" at the end. These variations may have arisen due to different regional pronunciations or personal preferences. It is interesting to see how a single family name can have multiple variations, each with its own unique spelling. Despite these variations, individuals with these different spellings of the Keown name likely share a common ancestry and heritage.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: