Meaning of the Petrelli family crest symbols
Torse
The torse was originally used to mask the join between helmet and crest but also holds a secondary meaning as a momento given to a crusader by his lady-love, given to him when he left for battle.
Shield - Fess
The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.
Meaning of the Petrelli 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.
Red
The red color (known as Gules) traditionally symbolized martyrdom and the historic military strength of family members when called upon in times of war.
Petrelli name meaning and origin
Petrelli is an Italian surname of patronymic origin, meaning "son of Pietro" or "son of Peter." It derives from the given name Pietro, which means "rock" or "stone" in Italian. The name is commonly found in the Campania region of Italy.
History of family crests like the Petrelli 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.
Petrelli name variations and their meaning
Some variations of the family name Petrelli include Patrelli in Italy, Petrovelli in Russia, and Pedrelli in Spain. In France, it is sometimes spelled Peterelli while in England, it is seen as Petrell. These variations emerged over the centuries as the name traveled across different countries and languages. In the 14th century, the name was originally recorded as Petrelli in Italy, but as it spread to Russia in the 16th century, it evolved into Petrovelli to better fit the Russian language phonetics. In Spain during the 17th century, the name underwent yet another transformation into Pedrelli to match the Spanish pronunciation. As the name continued to travel and adapt in the following centuries, it took on different forms to reflect the unique linguistic characteristics of each region.
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
