Quartermaine family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Quartermaine family crest symbols

Shield - Chevron

The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.

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 Quartermaine 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.

Yellow/Gold

The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.

Quartermaine name meaning and origin

Quartermaine is an English surname of Norman origin, derived from the Old French term "quartier" meaning quarter or district. Traditionally associated with land ownership, the name has connections to various regions and families, reflecting a historical significance in English aristocracy and land management.

History of family crests like the Quartermaine 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.

Quartermaine name variations and their meaning

The family name Quartermaine has several intriguing variations that reflect linguistic evolutions over the centuries. In France, the name has been transformed into Quartemain, showcasing the softening of consonants typical of the 17th century’s shift toward softer phonetics. As we move to the 18th century, the English variation Quarterman emerged, influenced by regional dialects which altered pronunciation and spelling. Meanwhile, in Spain, a derivative like Cuartemán highlights the adaptation to Romance languages, emphasizing the melodic aspects of the sound. The 19th century saw migration patterns introduce Quartermain in various English-speaking regions, where it often received modernized spellings such as Quarterman, hinting at shifts in phonetic preferences over time. These variations not only reflect geographical influences but also the socio-linguistic transformations that the name has undergone, giving each version its unique character intertwined with cultural history.

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