Meaning of the Macdowell family crest symbols
Helmet
The helmet placed on the shield symbolizes the strength of the family unit and the protection it provides. It is a symbol of the importance of standing together and having strong defenses against any external threats.
Weapon - Arrow
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 Macdowell 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.
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.
Macdowell name meaning and origin
MacDowell is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the personal name Dougal. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Dhùghaill, which means "son of Dougal". The name Dougal, or Dùghall, comes from the Gaelic words "dubh" and "gall", which translate to "dark" and "stranger" respectively. Therefore, the name MacDowell can be interpreted as "son of the dark stranger".
History of family crests like the Macdowell 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.
Macdowell name variations and their meaning
The family name Macdowell has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is McDowell, where the prefix "Mac" is replaced with "Mc." This variation is often seen in Scottish and Irish surnames. Another variation is MacDowell, where the "d" in the name is capitalized. This variation is often used to emphasize the "D" in the name, giving it a distinct appearance. Additionally, there are variations that combine both of these changes, such as McDowell and MacDowell. These variations may have originated from different branches of the family or through different spelling preferences. It is interesting to see how a simple change in capitalization or the use of a different prefix can create variations within a family name. These variations add to the diversity and complexity of the Macdowell surname, making it unique to each individual or branch of the family.
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
