Meaning of the Mowrey 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 Mowrey 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.
Mowrey name meaning and origin
Mowrey is a surname of uncertain origin, potentially derived from the Old English elements meaning “mighty” or “brave.” The name has historical roots in Anglo-Saxon culture and is associated with individuals in America and Europe, often linked to agricultural or rural settings.
History of family crests like the Mowrey 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.
Mowrey name variations and their meaning
Mowrey, with its intriguing evolution, has seen various adaptations across different cultures and centuries. In the 16th century, the name began to shift in England to Mowrey, influenced by local dialects that often transformed phonetics. By the 17th century, it found its way to the Americas, where it morphed into variations like Mowrey and Monroy, taking on characteristics influenced by Spanish settlers and their linguistic nuances. This period also saw a variant like Mowry emerge, as English settlers anglicized names for ease of use. Moving into the 19th century, the name diversified further, especially in Eastern Europe, where it appeared as Mowrzej, adapting to Slavic phonological systems. Each of these variations reflects the cultural and linguistic shifts that shaped how families carried their names through regions and time, making the study of Mowrey’s variations a fascinating glimpse into the interplay between identity and language.
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
