Meaning of the Montana 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 - 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 Montana 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.
Montana name meaning and origin
Montana is a surname of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "montanus" meaning "mountainous" or "from the mountains." It likely originated as a geographical surname for someone who lived near a mountain or in a mountainous region.
History of family crests like the Montana 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.
Montana name variations and their meaning
The family name Montana has various variations that have emerged over time. These variations include Montano, Montagna, Montanari, Montalvo, and Montalbano, among others. Each variation may have originated from different regions or countries, leading to diverse spellings and pronunciations. These variations reflect the migration and movement of families across different regions and countries throughout history. For instance, Montano is a common variation found in Spanish-speaking countries, while Montagna is more commonly found in Italy. Montanari is a variation that is often associated with families from the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. Montalvo is a variation that is commonly found in Portugal and Spain, while Montalbano is a variation that is often associated with families from Sicily. These variations of the Montana family name highlight the rich and diverse history of the name and the families who bear it.
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
