Meaning of the Mcphail family crest symbols
Torse
The torse was originally used to mask the join between helmet and crest but also holds a secondary meaning as a momento given to a crusader by his lady-love, given to him when he left for battle.
Bird - Martlet/Martlette
The martlet bird is a symbol of the speed and agility of family members to act quickly and decisively when needed. They represent the swiftness of thought and action that is necessary to protect and care for one's family.
Meaning of the Mcphail 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.
Mcphail name meaning and origin
Mcphail is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the words "mac," meaning son of, and "Phàil," meaning Paul. It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from someone named Paul.
History of family crests like the Mcphail 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.
Mcphail name variations and their meaning
Some variations of the family name Mcphail include Macphail, Macfie, and MacFail. In Scotland, the name is commonly spelled as Macphail, reflecting the traditional Scottish Gaelic spelling of names beginning with "Mc" or "Mac". In Ireland, the name is sometimes seen as Macfie, likely due to the influence of the Irish language on Gaelic surnames. Throughout the centuries, variations in spelling have emerged as a result of changes in pronunciation and regional dialects. In the 16th and 17th centuries, for example, many Gaelic names were anglicized as part of English colonization efforts in Scotland and Ireland. This led to variations such as MacFail, which developed as an English approximation of the original Gaelic spelling. Over time, these variations became further entrenched as families moved between different countries and regions, each adapting the name to suit the local language and customs. The evolution of the Mcphail surname across different countries and centuries provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich linguistic history of the name.
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
