Kittell family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Kittell family crest symbols

Star

The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.

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 Kittell 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.

Kittell name meaning and origin

The family name Kittell is believed to have origins in English or Germanic cultures. It may derive from a personal name, signifying "little" or "small." The name carries connotations of humility and may historically relate to specific geographic regions or trades within those cultures.

History of family crests like the Kittell 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.

Kittell name variations and their meaning

The family name Kittell has seen a fascinating array of variations across different cultures and languages. In the 16th century, the name began to take on forms such as Kittel in German-speaking regions, reflecting a common trend of linguistic adaptation as surname spellings were influenced by local dialects. By the 17th century, as populations migrated, variations emerged in England, leading to the surname Kittell becoming Kittal or Kittle depending on phonetic pronunciation. Moving into the 18th century, the name saw a shift in some southern European countries where it appeared as Cittelli or Cittello, showcasing the influence of Italian linguistic patterns. As the 19th century rolled in, immigration and globalization further diversified the name, leading to unique adaptations in the Americas, such as Kitell and Kytell. Each of these variations not only highlights the phonetic changes over centuries but also reflects the cultural exchanges and movements that shaped the identity of the name Kittell.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: