Meaning of the Pilkerton family crest symbols
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Lion (standing)
The lion symbol represents the ferocious nature of family members, their bravery and valor. It is one of the oldest symbols in heraldry and is considered to be one of the most desirable to have on a coat of arms.
Cross
The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.
Meaning of the Pilkerton 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.
Pilkerton name meaning and origin
Pilkerton is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Pillica, meaning "with friendly intent," and the suffix -ton, meaning "settlement." The name likely originated in a place named Pilkerton or a similar sounding location.
History of family crests like the Pilkerton 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.
Pilkerton name variations and their meaning
Various variations of the family name Pilkerton have emerged throughout the centuries in different countries. In England, variants such as Pilkington and Pilkenton have been recorded as early as the 16th century. These variations likely arose through dialectal differences and regional accents. In Ireland, the name Pilkerton may have evolved into names like Kilgarron or Gilkerson, reflecting the influence of Gaelic pronunciation on the original name. In Scotland, the name may have taken on a more anglicized form, such as Pilkertoun or Pilkertown, as a result of linguistic interactions between English and Scots Gaelic speakers. In the United States, descendants of the Pilkerton family may have adopted variations such as Pilkerton, Pilker, or Pilkins as part of the Americanization process. Overall, the multitude of variations in the family name Pilkerton highlight the rich linguistic history and evolution of the name across different countries 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
