Littlewood family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Littlewood 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.

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 Littlewood 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.

Littlewood name meaning and origin

Littlewood is an English surname with roots in geographical locations, typically signifying individuals who lived near a small wood or woodland area. It is derived from Old English elements "lyt" meaning little and "wudu" meaning wood, reflecting a connection to nature and rural landscapes.

History of family crests like the Littlewood 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.

Littlewood name variations and their meaning

Throughout the centuries, the family name Littlewood has seen intriguing variations that reflect cultural and linguistic shifts. In England during the 17th century, the surname evolved into forms like Litwood and Lyttlewood, influenced by dialectical changes and regional pronunciations. Meanwhile, as families migrated to North America in the 18th century, the name often transformed into Littlewood, with some branches adopting Lillywood, a phonetic adaptation that merged with local vernacular. In contemporary Australia, one might encounter variations such as Lidlow, illustrating how migration and exposure to new languages can reshape surnames over time. Additionally, in parts of Scotland, the name has been rendered as Lyttelwuid, exemplifying the influence of Scots Gaelic linguistics during the 19th century. Each variation tells a story of geography and language, enriching the understanding of this seemingly simple surname.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: