Meaning of the Rafferty family crest symbols
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.
Weapon - Arrow
The arrow signifies the early family's readiness for battle and affliction when threatened. It stands as a testament to family member’s success during times of war and a warning to those we may cross them.
Meaning of the Rafferty 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.
Rafferty name meaning and origin
The family name Rafferty is of Irish origin and means "prosperity wielder" or "abundance ruler."
History of family crests like the Rafferty 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.
Rafferty name variations and their meaning
The family name Rafferty has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Raffarty, which maintains the same pronunciation but alters the spelling slightly. Another variation is Raffertey, which adds an extra "e" to the end of the name. Raffertie is another variation that has been observed, with a slight alteration in the spelling. Raffertee is yet another variation that has been documented, with a change in the final letter of the name. These variations may have arisen due to different regional accents or dialects, or simply personal preferences in spelling. Regardless of the specific variation, all these forms of the name Rafferty still retain the same core pronunciation and are likely to be associated with the same family lineage. It is interesting to see how a single name can have multiple variations, adding to the richness and diversity of family names.
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
