Meaning of the Kingham family crest symbols

Bird - Eagle
The eagle symbolizes how early family members were considered people of action, quick-wittedness and a noble nature. When the wings are visible, this can additionally represent 'protection' and the protective powers of the family.

Bird - Martlet/Martlette
The martlet bird is a symbol of the speed and agility of family members to act quickly and decisively when needed. They represent the swiftness of thought and action that is necessary to protect and care for one's family.
Meaning of the Kingham coat of arms colors
Black
The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.
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.

Kingham name meaning and origin
Kingham is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily found in Britain. It is a geographical surname, derived from the Old English words 'cyning' meaning 'king' and 'ham' meaning 'homestead' or 'settlement'. Therefore, Kingham can be interpreted as 'the king's settlement'. This name was typically given to people who lived in or near a royal residence in ancient times.

History of family crests like the Kingham 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.

Kingham name variations and their meaning
The family name Kingham has various variations across different regions and time periods. One common variation is "Kingham," which is a slight alteration of the original spelling. Another variation is "Kyngham," which adds a different letter to the name. In some cases, the name may be spelled as "Kynghem" or "Kynghom," further emphasizing the different pronunciation. Additionally, the name may have variations based on regional dialects or accents, such as "Kingham" in some areas and "Kengham" in others. Over time, as families migrated and settled in different countries, the name may have undergone further changes. For instance, in America, the name may have evolved into "Kingham" or "Kyngham" due to linguistic influences. These variations in spelling and pronunciation highlight the fluidity of family names and how they can adapt to different cultures and languages.

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