Legare family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Legare 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.

Weapon - Arrowhead

The arrow signifies the early family's readiness for battle and affliction when threatened. It stands as a testament to family member’s success during times of war and a warning to those we may cross them.

Meaning of the Legare 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.

Legare name meaning and origin

Legare is a French surname derived from the Old French word "legier," meaning nimble or light. It is thought to have originated as a nickname for a sprightly or agile person. Today, individuals with the name Legare can be found worldwide.

History of family crests like the Legare 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.

Legare name variations and their meaning

The family name Legare has seen a fascinating range of variations across different cultures and regions, each reflecting a unique linguistic evolution over the centuries. In Italy, for instance, the name has manifested as Legheri during the 15th century, a likely adaptation influenced by regional dialects, with phonetic alterations emerging as local accents impacted how the name was pronounced. By the 17th century, in France, the name morphed into Le Garé, a combination of vowel shifts and the French penchant for elision, reflecting the country’s linguistic trends of the time. Moving into the 19th century, when many Italian immigrants settled in the United States, the name often took on anglicized forms like Leger or Legear, showing a clear adaptation to English phonetics, while in Quebec, the French-speaking population customized it to Le Gaspé, blending it with local surnames. In South America, particularly in Argentina, variations like Legar have appeared, largely due to the assimilation of Italian and Spanish naming conventions during the massive wave of European immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These transformations demonstrate the dynamic nature of the name Legare as it crossed cultural boundaries, adapting to the phonological rules and sociolinguistic contexts of each locale over several centuries.

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