Meaning of the Nordstrom 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.
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 Nordstrom 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.
Nordstrom name meaning and origin
Nordstrom is a Swedish surname that means "north stream" or "north river." It is derived from the Old Norse words "nordr" meaning north and "stromr" meaning stream or river.
History of family crests like the Nordstrom 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.
Nordstrom name variations and their meaning
The family name Nordstrom has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Sweden, it is commonly spelled as Nordström, with an accent on the letter "o." This variation emphasizes the Swedish heritage of the name. In other Scandinavian countries like Norway and Denmark, the name is often spelled as Nordstrøm or Nordstroem, incorporating the unique characters of their respective languages. In English-speaking countries, the name is typically spelled as Nordstrom, without any special characters or accents. This simplified version allows for easier pronunciation and recognition. Additionally, some individuals may choose to hyphenate the name, resulting in variations like Nordstrom-Johnson or Nordstrom-Smith. These hyphenated versions often occur when two families with different surnames merge through marriage. Overall, the variations of the family name Nordstrom reflect the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of its bearers, while still maintaining a common thread that connects them all.
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
