Meaning of the Ohlman 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.
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 Ohlman 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.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Ohlman name meaning and origin
Ohlman is a surname of German origin, likely derived from a village or geographical location. It may signify a connection to the old farmstead or land. The name has variations, suggesting historical ties to agriculture and regional identity within German-speaking communities.
History of family crests like the Ohlman 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.
Ohlman name variations and their meaning
Ohlman has evolved into several intriguing variations that reflect the linguistic and cultural shifts across centuries. In Germany, the name morphs into Ohlmann, incorporating the common suffix typical of surnames in that region during the 18th century, signaling familial ties or occupations. The Scandinavian variant Ohlmãn emerged in the 19th century, influenced by local phonetic practices and the trend of adopting diacritics to signify pronunciation nuances. In the United States, Ohlman transformed into variations like Olemann through Americanization processes in the early 20th century, where immigrants sought simpler, more phonetically straightforward names to integrate into society. Meanwhile, the French adaptation Oleman reflects a merging of languages and cultures during the 17th century, showcasing the influence of French phonetics and spelling conventions. These variations not only highlight the geographic distribution of the Ohlman family name but also underscore the dynamic interplay of language and identity through the ages.
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
