Meaning of the Mallard family crest symbols
Star
The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.
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 Mallard 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.
Mallard name meaning and origin
The surname Mallard originates from Old French, meaning "wild duck," derived from the word "malard." It was likely used as a nickname for someone who resembled the bird or lived near water. The name is associated with various regions in France and England.
History of family crests like the Mallard 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.
Mallard name variations and their meaning
The Mallard name has inspired several intriguing variations as it traversed through different regions and languages over the centuries. In the Middle Ages, particularly the 12th century, the name evolved into the Old French form Malard, reflecting the influence of Norman French as it spread across England. By the 15th century, regional dialects further transformed it into variations such as Mallarde in England and Malardeau in France, showcasing the phonetic adaptations influenced by local pronunciations. In the 17th century, as migration patterns shifted, some families began using the name Mallart in parts of Belgium, infusing the name with a distinct regional nuance. Meanwhile, in Canada, particularly during the 19th century, French-speaking populations embraced the variation Malardier, which also highlights the importance of suffixes in denoting familial connection in Francophone cultures. Over time, in various immigrant communities in the United States, creative spellings emerged, leading to forms such as Mallerd and Mallord, illustrating how names morph to fit new linguistic landscapes. Each variation not only reflects geographical change but also the cultural and linguistic blending that can reframe a family’s identity through the ages.
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
