Porter family crest

Porter family crest
 

Colors on the Porter family crest explained

Argent (silver) -  represents the Porter family values of peacefulness and sincerity.

Gules (red) - symbolizes martyrdom and the historic military strength of the Porter family when needed in times of war.

 

 

 

  Symbols on the Porter family crest explained  

The fesse (strip across the shield) - is an ancient symbol and represents those who uphold good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces.

The stags - symbolize the Porters being people of a peaceful and harmonious nature. Those who will not fight unless provoked.

The cinqfoil shapes with five flowering edges - symbolizes joy and hope.

The raven - represents God's protective power and the spirituality of nature.

 

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Origins of the Porter family name

The earliest known origin of the family name Porter is from the Old French word portier, which means "gatekeeper".
 
This occupational name was given to someone who was responsible for the care and security of the entrances of a castle or other large building.  

 

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Summary of the Porter family and the Porter family crest

  • The Porter family is of French and English origin, with the name popularised in medieval England.
  • The English version of this word, porter, first appeared in the 11th century.
  • The first recorded use of the name in England is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where a man named 'William le Portier' is listed as holding lands in Suffolk.
  • The porter was an important position in medieval society, as they were responsible for the security of the castle or building.
  • The first family stemmed from this occupation and likely moved upwards in society over time to become known within the noble circle.
  • By the 14th century, the name Porter had become a occupational surname for someone who worked as a ship's captain or pilot.
  • The name Porter is also associated with the town of Pontefract in Yorkshire, England and also with the county of Devon in England.
  • The name is also common in other parts of the British Isles, particularly in Ireland and Scotland.

 

Porter family in America

  • The Porter family name in America can be traced back to the early 1600s, when the first Porters arrived in the colonies.
  • The Porters were English Puritans who came to the New World in search of religious freedom. 
  • The Porters were among the first settlers in the colonies of Massachusetts and Connecticut.
  • They played a significant role in the founding of the United States of America.
  • The Porters were a large and influential family in early American history. Several members of the family served in the Continental Congress and the American Revolution.