Meaning of the Rancourt family crest symbols
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Lion (standing)
The lion symbol represents the ferocious nature of family members, their bravery and valor. It is one of the oldest symbols in heraldry and is considered to be one of the most desirable to have on a coat of arms.
Roundel
The roundel is believed to be a symbol from the times of the crusade and represents the family's belief in the importance of justice. It was used as a mark of those who pursued justice with vigor and brought others to justice.
Meaning of the Rancourt 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.
Red
The red color (known as Gules) traditionally symbolized martyrdom and the historic military strength of family members when called upon in times of war.
Rancourt name meaning and origin
Rancourt is a French surname derived from a place name meaning "curved bank" or "bend in the road." It is of toponymic origin, indicating the family may have originally lived near a curved feature in the landscape.
History of family crests like the Rancourt 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.
Rancourt name variations and their meaning
The family name Rancourt has evolved over the centuries to take on various interesting variations. In France, the name has been spelled as Rancourt, Rancourt, and Ranchour, indicating differences in pronunciation and regional dialects. In Canada, where many French settlers immigrated, the name has been anglicized to Rancourt, Rancort, and even Rankhart, reflecting the influence of English phonetics. Throughout the centuries, the name has undergone changes as it passed through different languages and cultures. In the 16th century, during the Renaissance period, names were often derived from Latin roots, leading to variations like Rancurtus. As trade and travel expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries, the name picked up linguistic influences from other European languages, resulting in variations such as Rancurt in German-speaking regions. Today, the name continues to adapt and transform as families move and blend with diverse linguistic communities, creating new variations like Rancuort in modern multicultural societies.
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
