Meaning of the Odougherty family crest symbols
Bird - Eagle
The eagle symbolizes how early family members were considered people of action, quick-wittedness and a noble nature. When the wings are visible, this can additionally represent 'protection' and the protective powers of the family.
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 Odougherty 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.
Odougherty name meaning and origin
Odougherty is an Irish surname that means "son of Dochartach," which translates to "hurtful" or "obstructive" in Gaelic. The name likely originated from a personal characteristic or ancestor's occupation. Members of the Odougherty family can be found primarily in Ireland and Scotland.
History of family crests like the Odougherty 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.
Odougherty name variations and their meaning
The variations of the family name Odougherty have evolved over the centuries in different countries, reflecting the influence of various languages and cultural backgrounds. In Ireland, the name may appear as O'Doherty, highlighting the traditional Irish O' prefix denoting "descendant of." In Scotland, the name could be spelled MacDoherty, indicating a Gaelic influence. As the name spread to England and other English-speaking countries, variations such as McDoherty or Dougherty emerged, emphasizing a shift in pronunciation and spelling conventions. Throughout the medieval period (5th-15th centuries), names were often fluid and subject to interpretation by scribes and speakers of different languages. In the 16th and 17th centuries, during periods of increased migration and colonization, further variations like O'Doherty or O'Dougherty may have arisen to distinguish branches of the family in new territories. Language changes and phonetic shifts in the 18th and 19th centuries could have led to modern variations like O'Dougherty or Doherty, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the name across time and borders.
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
