Meaning of the Mautier family crest symbols
Shield - Chevron
The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.
Shield - Bordure
The 'bordure' edge around the shield is a mark of difference used to identify separate families that hold similar coat of arms designs. It is one that became a distinctive mark of pride over time for those families that used one.
Meaning of the Mautier 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.
Mautier name meaning and origin
Mautier is a French surname that has its roots in the Old Occitan language, often associated with the word for "moth" or "flutter." It may indicate a connection to a geographical region or specific heritage, reflecting a lineage tied to France’s cultural history.
History of family crests like the Mautier 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.
Mautier name variations and their meaning
Mautier has given rise to several intriguing variations that reflect the rich linguistic and cultural tapestry of different regions. In France during the 18th century, the surname evolved into Mottier, a phonetic adaptation that mirrored the regional dialects of the time, emphasizing the soft consonants typical of the area. Meanwhile, in the 19th century, as migration patterns spread into the Americas, Mautier transformed further into Mautieré and even Mortier, showcasing a tendency to simplify or modify surnames for ease of pronunciation among English speakers. Across the Alps in Italy, the name morphed into Mautieri, with the addition of the Italian suffix -i reflecting a family lineage, a common practice in Italian naming conventions during the 20th century. In the German-speaking regions, Mauter emerged, likely influenced by the Hochdeutsch standardization of surnames, a trend which became prominent in the 16th century, often dropping the vowels for more assertive consonantal sounds. Exploring these variations reveals not only the name's adaptability to different phonetic and grammatical structures but also its journey through the fabric of society as people migrated, intermarried, and gradually exchanged cultural identities through the centuries.
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
