Meaning of the MacDonald family crest symbols
Ship
The ship is a symbol of the courage and determination of the family's ancestors, who set out on a journey of exploration and discovery. It is a reminder of the adventurous spirit that has been passed down through generations.
Cross
The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.
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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.
Fish - Generic
The fish is a creature and symbol that holds enormous positivity in heraldry. It signifies trueness of mind and the virtuous nature of family members and those who possess a deep heritage of such attributes.
Meaning of the MacDonald coat of arms colors
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.
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.
Green
The green color (known as Vert) symbolized family member’s loyalty in love and their collective hopes for the future prosperity of the wider family.
Yellow/Gold
The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.
MacDonald name meaning and origin
MacDonald originates from Scotland and means "son of Donald," with "Donald" itself meaning "world ruler" or "world-mighty" in Gaelic.
History of family crests like the MacDonald 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.
MacDonald name variations and their meaning
The family name MacDonald has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Scotland, it is commonly spelled as Macdonald, with a lowercase "d" following the prefix "Mac." This variation is also prevalent in Ireland. In some cases, the "a" in MacDonald is replaced with an "o," resulting in the spelling Macdonold. Another variation is found in the United States, where the name is often written as McDonald, dropping the second "a." This spelling is also commonly used in Canada and Australia. Additionally, there are variations that incorporate a space between "Mac" and "Donald," such as Mac Donald or Mac Donaldson. These variations can be seen in different parts of the world, including England and South Africa. Despite the slight differences in spelling, these variations all refer to the same family name and are used interchangeably by individuals and families with the MacDonald surname.
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
