O'Bradley family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the O'Bradley 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.

Roundel

The roundel is believed to be a symbol from the times of the crusade and represents the family's belief in the importance of justice. It was used as a mark of those who pursued justice with vigor and brought others to justice.

Meaning of the O'Bradley coat of arms colors

Black

The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.

Blue

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

O'Bradley name meaning and origin

O'Bradley is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin meaning "descendant of Bradach," which is a personal name derived from the word "brad" meaning "broad" or "wide." The name is often associated with people who have a strong and courageous personality.

History of family crests like the O'Bradley 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.

O'Bradley name variations and their meaning

One interesting variation of the family name O'Bradley is O'Brady, which can be found in Ireland and Scotland. This variation emerged in the 17th century as a simplification of the original name, likely due to regional dialect differences and the phonetic evolution of the language at the time. Another variation seen in England is Bradley, which omits the O' prefix commonly found in Irish and Scottish variations. This variation emerged in the 18th century as a result of Anglicization of Irish surnames. In Poland, O'Bradley may be spelled as O'Brałej, reflecting the influence of Polish pronunciation and spelling conventions. This variation likely emerged in the 19th century as interactions between Irish and Polish communities increased. Overall, these variations in the family name O'Bradley demonstrate the rich linguistic history and evolution of surnames across different countries and centuries.

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