Meaning of the Mawtby 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.
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 Mawtby 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.
Mawtby name meaning and origin
The family name Mawtby is of English origin and is believed to be locational, derived from the village of Mautby in Norfolk. It may also be a variant spelling of the surname Motby.
History of family crests like the Mawtby 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.
Mawtby name variations and their meaning
The variations of the family name Mawtby have evolved quite significantly over the centuries. In England, some common variations include Maltby, Mawtby, and Molteby. In Scotland, the name has been adapted to Mauchbe, while in Ireland it has transformed into MacMawby. These variations have emerged through linguistic changes in different regions and time periods. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the name Mawtby began to be spelled as Maltby in England, possibly due to dialectal differences or phonetic evolution. By the 16th and 17th centuries, the variations of Mawtby had expanded to include Molteby and Mauchbe, reflecting influences from neighboring countries and migration patterns. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Irish variation MacMawby appeared, indicating a blending of Gaelic and English languages. Overall, the diverse variations of the family name Mawtby highlight the complexity of language development and the rich history of surname evolution.
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
