Meaning of the Northington family crest symbols

Star
The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.
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 Northington 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.
Northington name meaning and origin
Northington is an English surname, drawn from the geographical location named Northington in Hampshire, England. Its origins can be traced back to the Old English terms "north", meaning "northern", and "tūn", signifying an "enclosure" or "settlement". Therefore, the surname suggests that the initial bearers hailed from the northern town or settlement. This name initially served as an identifier, linking individuals to their birthplace or place of residence.
History of family crests like the Northington 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.
Northington name variations and their meaning
The family name Northington has various variations that have emerged over time. These variations include Northington, Norrington, and Northingten. Each variation adds a unique twist to the original name, while still maintaining its essence. The variation Northington, for example, emphasizes the "north" aspect of the name, possibly indicating a connection to a northern region or direction. On the other hand, the variation Norrington adds an extra "r" to the name, giving it a slightly different sound and visual appearance. This variation could have been influenced by regional accents or dialects. Lastly, the variation Northingten replaces the final "on" with "en," which alters the pronunciation and adds a touch of individuality to the name. These variations demonstrate how family names can evolve and adapt over time, reflecting the diverse influences and experiences of different branches of the Northington family.
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
