Merkel family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Merkel 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.

Shield - Fess

The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.

Meaning of the Merkel 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.

Blue

The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.

Merkel name meaning and origin

Merkel is a surname of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "marka" meaning "boundary" or "border" and the suffix "-el", denoting a small or diminutive form. The name likely originally referred to someone who lived near a border or boundary.

History of family crests like the Merkel 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.

Merkel name variations and their meaning

The family name Merkel has various variations across different regions and cultures. These variations reflect the diverse history and migration patterns of the people who bear this surname. In Germany, the name may appear as Merkle, Merkell, or Merckel. These variations could be attributed to regional dialects or spelling changes over time. In other countries, such as the United States, Canada, or Australia, the name might be spelled as Markel or Markle. These variations could be the result of anglicization or adaptation to the local language. Additionally, there may be other less common variations of the name, such as Merkley or Merkli, which could be found in specific regions or among certain branches of the family. Despite the different spellings, these variations all share a common ancestry and represent the diverse branches of the Merkel family tree.

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