Orihuela family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Orihuela family crest symbols

Star

The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.

Tree

The great tree signifies a long lasting age of the family. It was used as an icon of ultimate strength and endurance. It represents those families with grand heritage and their ability to last the test of time.

Meaning of the Orihuela coat of arms colors

Black

The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.

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.

Orihuela name meaning and origin

The family name Orihuela means "place of gold" in Spanish. It is of toponymic origin, derived from the town of Orihuela in Spain. The name may have originally referred to someone who came from or lived near this town.

History of family crests like the Orihuela 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.

Orihuela name variations and their meaning

The family name Orihuela has diversified significantly across various regions and languages, manifesting intriguing variations that reflect historical and linguistic influences over the centuries. In the Spanish-speaking world, particularly during the 16th century, we start to see derivatives such as Orihuela-Sánchez and Orihuela-Cordón, which combine the original surname with regional or familial designations, a practice that gained popularity as families sought to distinguish themselves in increasingly complex social structures. Moving into the 18th century, the name began to take on regional adaptations in Latin America, leading to forms like Orihuela de la Torre or Orihuela Castillo, indicating a connection to local geography or nobility. As we step into the 19th century, migration brought new phonetic interpretations, resulting in names like Orihuela-Borja in Ecuador or Orihuela-Aguilar in Mexico, which merged with other prevalent surnames, showcasing a blend of cultural heritages and the intricate tapestry of family lineages. In the 20th century, we observe the emergence of anglicized versions, particularly in the United States, where names such as Oriwela or Orelia surfaced, often shaped by pronunciation simplification and English linguistic patterns. Furthermore, in regions where Catalan or Galician influences prevailed, such as in northeastern Spain, variations like Oriola or Orellana appeared, reflecting the vibrant dialectal differences that characterize these languages, demonstrating how the name Orihuela has not only endured through time but has also adapted and evolved in diverse historical and cultural contexts, making it a fascinating subject of study for genealogists and linguists alike.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: