Meaning of the Mcnairy 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.
Cross
The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.
Meaning of the Mcnairy 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.
Red
The red color (known as Gules) traditionally symbolized martyrdom and the historic military strength of family members when called upon in times of war.
Mcnairy name meaning and origin
The family name McNairy is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Con Iomaire, meaning "son of the keeper of the ridge." Members of the McNairy family were likely associated with landownership or stewardship in Scotland.
History of family crests like the Mcnairy 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.
Mcnairy name variations and their meaning
The family name McNairy has several variations that have emerged over time. These variations reflect the diverse ways in which the name has been spelled or pronounced by different branches of the family. Some common variations include McNary, McNair, McNarey, McNairy, and McNayr. These variations may have arisen due to regional accents, dialects, or simply personal preferences in spelling.
The McNary variation, for instance, may have been influenced by the pronunciation of the name with a softer "i" sound. McNair, on the other hand, could have been a result of phonetic spelling or a deliberate attempt to simplify the name. McNarey and McNayr might have been alternative spellings adopted by certain family members to differentiate themselves or to reflect a particular regional pronunciation.
These variations highlight the fluidity and adaptability of surnames over time. They also demonstrate how a single family name can evolve and take on different forms within different branches of the family. Despite these variations, the shared heritage and familial connections remain strong, binding the McNairy family together.
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
