Meaning of the Osullvan 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.
Shield - Bordure
The 'bordure' edge around the shield is a mark of difference used to identify separate families that hold similar coat of arms designs. It is one that became a distinctive mark of pride over time for those families that used one.
Meaning of the Osullvan 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.
Osullvan name meaning and origin
The family name Osullivan means "descendant of the little dark-eyed one" in Irish Gaelic.
History of family crests like the Osullvan 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.
Osullvan name variations and their meaning
The family name Osullvan has evolved over the centuries to take on various forms in different countries. In Ireland, variations such as O'Sullivan, O'Sulivan, and O'Sullavin can be found, each reflecting different dialectal changes within the Irish language from the 12th to the 17th centuries. In Scotland, the name has been adapted to MacSullvan or McSullan, demonstrating the influence of Gaelic on pronunciation and spelling throughout the 16th and 18th centuries. In England, the name may appear as Sullivan or Sullvan, showing the anglicization of the name during the 19th and 20th centuries. Overall, these variations highlight the rich linguistic history of the Osullvan family name across different regions and time periods.
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
