Leicester family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Leicester family crest symbols

Fleur-de-lis

The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.

Weapon - Sword

The sword is a symbol of courage and strength, and signifies the importance of upholding the family's honor through honorable actions. It is also a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.

Meaning of the Leicester 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.

Blue

The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.

Leicester name meaning and origin

Leicester is a distinguished surname of Old English origin. It's derived from the place name 'Leicester', which was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 as 'Ledecestre'. The name signifies 'Roman town of the people called Ligore'. The Ligore were a Celtic tribe who inhabited the area before the Roman conquest. The name is a combination of the Old English words 'leir', meaning 'river', and 'ceaster', meaning 'Roman town or city'. Thus, the surname Leicester essentially denotes someone from the Roman town by the river.

History of family crests like the Leicester 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.

Leicester name variations and their meaning

The family name Leicester has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Lester, which is a simplified version of the original name. Another variation is Lyster, which adds an additional syllable to the name. Lestor is another variation that is similar to Lester but with a slight spelling difference. Lessiter is a less common variation that adds an extra "s" to the name. Lastly, Lecester is a variation that changes the "i" to an "e" but maintains the overall pronunciation. These variations of the family name Leicester demonstrate how names can evolve and change over generations. Each variation may have its own unique story and history, but they all share a common ancestry. Whether spelled Leicester, Lester, Lyster, Lestor, Lessiter, or Lecester, these variations represent different branches of the same family tree.

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