Meaning of the Reaves 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 - Bordure
The 'bordure' edge around the shield is a mark of difference used to identify separate families that hold similar coat of arms designs. It is one that became a distinctive mark of pride over time for those families that used one.
Meaning of the Reaves 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.
Reaves name meaning and origin
The family name Reaves is of English origin, derived from the Old French term “reve,” meaning an overseer or steward. Historically, it may refer to those who held administrative roles in feudal society, managing lands or estates on behalf of a lord.
History of family crests like the Reaves 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.
Reaves name variations and their meaning
The family name Reaves, while intriguing in its own right, has birthed a variety of captivating variations across different cultures and eras. In England during the 16th century, Reaves may have morphed into Reeves, adopting a more Anglicized form that became popular during the Tudor period, while maintaining a similar pronunciation. Meanwhile, in the 17th century, as early settlers migrated to North America, the surname evolved further into Reaves or Rives, reflecting phonetic shifts and regional dialects that were common in the melting pot of colonial life. Crossing the Atlantic into Ireland, the name transformed into the Gaelic variant O'Ríobhan around the 18th century, illustrating the influence of linguistic adaptation in a country rich with its own history and language. In the 19th century, as migration patterns shifted, Reaves also found its way into rural communities in Canada, where it sometimes appeared as Reeve – a form that hinted at an administrative role, derived from the local governance contexts of the time. In contemporary times, the name has been diversified further by intercultural marriages and the global movement of families, leading to variations such as Rivas in Spanish-speaking countries, illustrating how Reaves has continually evolved, reflective of social, cultural, and linguistic dynamics from century to century.
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
