Schinagel family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Schinagel 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.

Cross

The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.

Meaning of the Schinagel 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.

Schinagel name meaning and origin

Schinagel: A German surname derived from the word "schöne" meaning beautiful or lovely, combined with "nagel" meaning nail or peg. It may have originated as a nickname for a skilled carpenter or someone with attractive qualities.

History of family crests like the Schinagel 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.

Schinagel name variations and their meaning

The family name Schinagel has displayed a fascinating evolution over the centuries, leading to various intriguing forms and adaptations across different regions and languages. In the 18th century, as migration intensified, particularly among German communities, the name Schinagel began to appear with alterations such as Schinaiger or Schinagle, reflecting regional dialects that influenced pronunciation. By the 19th century, the name further diversified; in areas where German speakers settled in the United States, it transformed into more anglicized versions like Shinnagel or Shinagle, often shaped by English phonetics and spelling conventions that made the name more accessible to non-German speakers. In contrast, as the name crossed into Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and the Czech Republic, variations emerged such as Sienagel or Szynagiel, incorporating Slavic linguistic elements that altered its structure and sound to fit local cultural contexts. Moving into the 20th century, those descendants who migrated to France or Belgium encountered additional transformations, yielding forms like Chinojal or Scheinagel, showcasing how French linguistic rules reshaped the original name. Meanwhile, in South America, where many German families settled, it began to appear as Sinagel, adapting to the phonetic environment of Spanish and Portuguese, reflecting the blending of German heritage with local culture. Each variation not only highlights the dynamic nature of the name Schinagel but also illustrates the broader narrative of migration, language contact, and cultural exchange that has enriched family nomenclature throughout centuries.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: