Ormiston family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Ormiston 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.

Weapon - Sword

The sword is a symbol of courage and strength, and signifies the importance of upholding the family's honor through honorable actions. It is also a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.

Meaning of the Ormiston 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.

Ormiston name meaning and origin

Ormiston is a Scottish surname of territorial origin. It's derived from a place called Ormiston in East Lothian, Scotland. The name itself is composed of two Old English elements: "ormr," meaning "serpent" or "dragon," and "tun," meaning "settlement" or "enclosure." So, in essence, Ormiston can be interpreted as "settlement of the dragon."

History of family crests like the Ormiston 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.

Ormiston name variations and their meaning

The family name Ormiston has several variations that have emerged over time. These variations include Ormeston, Ormistone, and Ormestoun. Each variation adds a unique twist to the original name, while still maintaining its distinct identity. These variations may have originated due to regional dialects, migration patterns, or simply personal preference.

The variation Ormeston adds an extra "e" to the name, giving it a slightly different sound. This alteration could have been influenced by phonetic changes in the language or by the preference of a particular branch of the family. Ormistone, on the other hand, replaces the final "n" with an "e," creating a softer ending. This variation might have been adopted by a family branch that wanted to differentiate themselves from others with the same name.

Ormestoun is another variation that adds a unique touch to the family name. The substitution of the final "n" with "oun" gives it a more distinctive sound. This variation could have been influenced by regional accents or dialects prevalent in a specific area.

Overall, these variations of the Ormiston family name showcase the flexibility and adaptability of surnames over time.

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