Meaning of the Madvig 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 Madvig 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.
Madvig name meaning and origin
The family name Madvig is of Danish origin. It is believed to be derived from the given name Madvig, which is a variant of the name Mādig, meaning "brave in battle" or "mighty warrior."
History of family crests like the Madvig 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.
Madvig name variations and their meaning
Some variations of the family name Madvig include Madvigson, Madvigsen, Madvigg, and Madvigov. In Denmark, the name Madvig has been adapted into Madvigsen to indicate "son of Madvig," while in Sweden, the name may have changed to Madvigson. In Russia, the name Madvig has been altered to Madvigov to reflect a more Slavic pronunciation. These variations have evolved over the centuries, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries in Scandinavia. As the name spread to different countries and languages, it underwent phonetic changes and adaptations to suit local pronunciations and linguistic conventions. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the name continued to transform as it traveled to different regions and merged with indigenous naming practices. The 19th and 20th centuries saw further diversification and modernization of the name, as families migrated to new countries and integrated their surname into new linguistic contexts. Today, the variations of the family name Madvig serve as a testament to the rich history and diversity of its origins.
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
