Scanlan family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Scanlan 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 - 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 Scanlan 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.

Scanlan name meaning and origin

Scanlan is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O Scannlain". The prefix "O" means "descendant of", while "Scannlain" is a personal name meaning "scandal" or "contention". Therefore, the surname Scanlan can be interpreted as "descendant of the contentious one". This name was primarily used in the regions of Munster and Leinster in Ireland.

History of family crests like the Scanlan 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.

Scanlan name variations and their meaning

The family name Scanlan has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Ireland, it is commonly spelled as "Scanlon" or "Scanlan." These variations are often seen as anglicized versions of the original Gaelic name "Ó Scannláin." In Scotland, the name is sometimes spelled as "Scandlan" or "Scandlen." In England, it can be found as "Scandlin" or "Scandling." These variations reflect the diverse history and migration patterns of the family over the years.

In addition to these regional variations, there may also be different spellings within the same country or even within the same family. This can be due to factors such as phonetic differences, regional accents, or personal preferences. Some individuals may choose to modify the spelling of their surname for various reasons, including simplification or personalization.

Overall, the variations of the family name Scanlan highlight the dynamic nature of surnames and how they can evolve and adapt over time.

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