Meaning of the Olinger 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.

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 Olinger 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.

Olinger name meaning and origin
The family name Olinger is of European origin and means "descendant of Oleg" or "son of Oleg." Oleg is a Scandinavian name, possibly derived from the Old Norse elements "ale" meaning "ancestor" and "geirr" meaning "spear." Therefore, the name Olinger likely signifies a person who is the descendant of someone named Oleg, possibly denoting a noble or warrior ancestry.

History of family crests like the Olinger 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.

Olinger name variations and their meaning
The family name Olinger has various spellings and variations across different regions and time periods. These variations include Ollinger, Ohlinger, Olenger, and Oelinger, among others. These different spellings may have emerged due to factors such as regional dialects, phonetic changes, or even clerical errors during record-keeping.
Over time, families with the Olinger surname may have migrated to different countries or regions, leading to further variations in spelling. For instance, some branches of the family may have adopted the spelling Ollinger in one country, while others may have retained the original Olinger spelling in another.
Additionally, individuals with the Olinger name may have chosen to modify the spelling for personal or professional reasons. This could be to differentiate themselves from others with similar names or to conform to the spelling conventions of a particular language or culture.
Despite these variations, individuals with the Olinger surname likely share a common ancestral lineage. Exploring the diverse spellings and variations of the name can provide valuable insights into the migration patterns and historical context of the Olinger 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