Meaning of the Ogawa family crest symbols

Torse
The torse was originally used to mask the join between helmet and crest but also holds a secondary meaning as a momento given to a crusader by his lady-love, given to him when he left for battle.

Bird - Martlet/Martlette
The martlet bird is a symbol of the speed and agility of family members to act quickly and decisively when needed. They represent the swiftness of thought and action that is necessary to protect and care for one's family.
Meaning of the Ogawa 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.

Ogawa name meaning and origin
The family name Ogawa, of Japanese origin, translates to "small river" or "stream." It reflects a connection to nature and geographic features, often signifying families who lived near or were associated with water bodies, highlighting historical ties to the land and environment.

History of family crests like the Ogawa 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.

Ogawa name variations and their meaning
Among the various adaptations of the name Ogawa, the noteworthy variation Ogavang emerged in 17th century Japan as a result of regional dialect influences that softened consonant sounds. In contrast, during the 19th century, the surname transformed into O'Gavain in Ireland, reflective of the Celtic linguistic patterns that reshaped names during periods of English influence. In the United States, particularly in the early 20th century, the name evolved into O'Gaw, an abbreviated form adopted by immigrant families as they assimilated into American culture. Additionally, in Brazil, the name has taken on the form Ogavá, influenced by Portuguese phonetics, showcasing the adaptation through local enunciation styles. Each of these variations not only highlights the linguistic evolution over the centuries but also reflects the cultural interactions and migrations that have influenced how names are perceived and adopted across different societies.

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