Meaning of the Mcclellan family crest symbols
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.
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 Mcclellan 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.
Mcclellan name meaning and origin
The family name McClellan is of Scottish origin and means "son of Clelland," which is a variant of the name Cleland. It is derived from the Old Gaelic name Mac Gille Fhaolain, meaning "son of the servant of St. Fillan."
History of family crests like the Mcclellan 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.
Mcclellan name variations and their meaning
The family name McClellan has several variations that have emerged over time. These variations include McLellan, MacLellan, McLelland, and McClelland. Each variation represents a different spelling or pronunciation of the same name. These variations may have originated due to regional dialects, migration patterns, or simply personal preference.
The McLellan variation is commonly found in Scotland and is believed to be the original spelling of the name. MacLellan, on the other hand, is a variation that is often associated with Irish ancestry. McLelland and McClelland are variations that are commonly found in the United States and Canada.
Despite these variations, individuals with these different spellings of the name are likely to share a common ancestry. It is interesting to see how a single family name can evolve and adapt over time, reflecting the diverse cultural and linguistic influences that shape our world.
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
