Ordway family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Ordway family crest symbols

Shield - Chevron

The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.

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 Ordway 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.

Ordway name meaning and origin

The family name Ordway is of Old English origin, derived from the elements "ord," meaning point or edge, and "weg," meaning way or path. It historically referred to someone living near a notable geographic feature, emphasizing a connection to land and location.

History of family crests like the Ordway 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.

Ordway name variations and their meaning

Throughout the centuries, the family name Ordway has manifested in a variety of intriguing forms across different cultures. In the 17th century, for instance, Anglicization processes often led to the adoption of Ordway as a surname in England, while in Scotland, variations like Ordwe or Ordwy emerged, influenced by local dialects. By the 18th century, migration patterns contributed to the emergence of adaptations such as Ordwee in North America, reflecting the phonetic shifts common in new linguistic environments. Meanwhile, in regions with Romance languages, such as France and Spain, the name evolved into variants like Ordóñez or Orduaine, showcasing how suffix alterations and inflections adapt names to comply with grammatical rules of the local languages. As the 19th century approached, these variations gained distinct regional flavors, illustrating how historical context and language evolution intertwined to enrich the family legacy of Ordway and its offshoots.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: