Meaning of the Lorber family crest symbols
Torse
The torse was originally used to mask the join between helmet and crest but also holds a secondary meaning as a momento given to a crusader by his lady-love, given to him when he left for battle.
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 Lorber 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.
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.
Lorber name meaning and origin
The family name Lorber likely has Jewish roots, deriving from the Yiddish word for a type of bread or possibly from the German word meaning "to read." It is often associated with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and can signify various cultural or geographic connections.
History of family crests like the Lorber 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.
Lorber name variations and their meaning
The family name Lorber can be found in various forms across different cultures, often reflecting linguistic shifts and regional phonetics. For instance, in Germany, the name may appear as Lorber or Lorbers, which evolved during the 19th century when surnames became more standardized. In Poland, variations like Lorberowski emerged, influenced by the common suffix "-owski" that denotes family lineage, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries with the rise of the gentry. In Italy, one might encounter the variant Lombardi, reflecting a phonetic adaptation that occurred in the 16th century, as Italians often modified names for ease of pronunciation and cultural integration. Meanwhile, in Eastern European regions, names like Lurber surfaced in the 20th century due to transliteration variations from local dialects, showcasing the dynamic nature of surnames as they adapt to different linguistic environments. Lastly, in the United States, the name may have evolved into a more simplified form, such as Lorber or even Lorberski, as immigrants assimilated into English-speaking contexts throughout the 20th century.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com
