Meaning of the Plake 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 - 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 Plake 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.
Plake name meaning and origin
The family name Plake is of European origin, specifically German. It is derived from the Old High German word "plack" which means a small coin or piece of money. Therefore, the surname Plake likely originally referred to someone who worked as a moneyer or banker. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname given to someone who was thrifty or careful with their money.
History of family crests like the Plake 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.
Plake name variations and their meaning
The family name Plake has various spellings and variations across different regions and cultures. One common variation is "Plack," which is often found in English-speaking countries. Another variation is "Plaque," which is more commonly seen in French-speaking regions. Additionally, the name can be spelled as "Plaak" or "Plaake" in some instances. These variations might have emerged due to different pronunciations or transliterations of the name in various languages.
Furthermore, there could be regional variations within a country itself. For example, in Germany, the name might be spelled as "Placke" or "Placken" in certain regions. Similarly, in Eastern European countries, variations like "Plak" or "Plakov" might be encountered.
It is interesting to note how the spelling of a family name can evolve over time and across different cultures. These variations can make genealogical research challenging, as individuals with the same surname might be spelled differently in official records. Nonetheless, the diverse spellings of the Plake name add to the richness and complexity of its history and heritage.
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
