Meaning of the Porterfield 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 Porterfield 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.
Porterfield name meaning and origin
The family name Porterfield is of Scottish origin, meaning "field where the gatekeeper or gatekeeper's lodge is located." This surname likely referred to someone who lived near or worked at a gate or entrance to a field or estate.
History of family crests like the Porterfield 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.
Porterfield name variations and their meaning
Porterfield is a surname that has undergone various interesting variations over the centuries. In England, some common variations include Portfield, Portefield, and Portafield. In Scotland, variants such as Portarfield and Portarfeild can be found. These variations emerged as a result of the natural evolution of language and the influences of different dialects and accents. The changes in spelling can be traced back to the Middle Ages (5th to 15th centuries) when surnames were first starting to be standardized. Over time, as people moved between regions and countries, the name continued to evolve, leading to even more diverse variations. In more recent centuries, with increased travel and communication, the variations of the name Porterfield have spread to different parts of the world, including the United States and Australia. This demonstrates the richness and complexity of the name's history and linguistic origins.
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
