Meaning of the Perkins family crest symbols
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.
Roundel
The roundel is believed to be a symbol from the times of the crusade and represents the family's belief in the importance of justice. It was used as a mark of those who pursued justice with vigor and brought others to justice.
Meaning of the Perkins 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.
Perkins name meaning and origin
Perkins is an English surname that has its roots in ancient Welsh culture. It is derived from the name "Perkin", a diminutive form of "Peter", which means "rock" in Greek. The "s" at the end signifies "son of", hence Perkins translates to "son of little Peter" or "son of the rock". This surname was popularized in the Middle Ages and has been passed down through generations.
History of family crests like the Perkins 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.
Perkins name variations and their meaning
The family name Perkins has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Parkins, which is believed to have originated from the same root name. Another variation is Perkinson, which adds the suffix "-son" to the original name. This suffix indicates "son of," suggesting a possible patronymic origin. Additionally, the name Parkin is another variation that has been derived from Perkins. This shorter form may have developed as a nickname or a simplified version of the original name. Other variations include Perkyns, Perkens, and Perkings, which may have evolved through regional dialects or spelling variations. These variations highlight the fluidity of surnames and how they can change over time and across different regions. Despite the variations, the common thread among all these names is their association with the original family name Perkins.
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
