Meaning of the Schmittling 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.
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 Schmittling 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.
Schmittling name meaning and origin
Schmittling, a German surname, has its roots in the occupation of blacksmithing. It's a derivative of the word 'Schmidt', which literally translates to 'smith'. Hence, those carrying the 'Schmittling' name would have likely had ancestors who were blacksmiths by profession.
History of family crests like the Schmittling 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.
Schmittling name variations and their meaning
The family name Schmittling has various variations across different regions and time periods. One common variation is Schmidtling, which is a simplified version of the original name. Another variation is Schmitling, which is a slight alteration that may have occurred due to regional dialects or accents. In some cases, the name may have been anglicized to Smithling, particularly among individuals who migrated to English-speaking countries. Additionally, there could be variations based on spelling, such as Schmitling or Schmittelinck, which may have resulted from clerical errors or changes made during immigration processes. These variations highlight the fluidity and adaptability of surnames over time. They also demonstrate how individuals and families may have modified their names to better fit into new cultural contexts or to simplify pronunciation. Overall, the variations of the Schmittling family name reflect the diverse linguistic and historical influences that have shaped surnames throughout generations.
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
