Kirkley family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Kirkley 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.

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 Kirkley 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.

Kirkley name meaning and origin

Kirkley is a surname of English origin, derived from a place name meaning "church clearing" or "church meadow."

History of family crests like the Kirkley 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.

Kirkley name variations and their meaning

The family name Kirkley has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Kirkly, which drops the "e" at the end of the name. This variation gives the name a slightly different sound and appearance, but still maintains the core elements of Kirkley. Another variation is Kirkleigh, which adds an extra "gh" at the end of the name. This variation adds a unique twist to the name and gives it a more distinctive and memorable quality. Additionally, some individuals may choose to spell the name as Kirklee, which replaces the "y" with an "ee" sound. This variation adds a touch of creativity and modernity to the name. Overall, these variations of the family name Kirkley provide individuals with options to personalize and adapt the name to their own preferences while still preserving its original essence.

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