Meaning of the Seelke 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 Seelke 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.
Seelke name meaning and origin
Seelke is a surname of Germanic origin. It is believed to derive from the Middle Low German term "seelken", which translates to "little soul" or "blessed soul". This may suggest that the early bearers of the Seelke name were considered to be of good spirit and character. The name may have initially been a nickname or term of endearment before it evolved into a family name.
History of family crests like the Seelke 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.
Seelke name variations and their meaning
The family name Seelke has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Germany, it is commonly spelled as Seelke, while in other parts of Europe, it may be written as Seelk, Seelka, or Seelken. These variations could be attributed to different dialects and phonetic differences in pronunciation. In some cases, the name may have been anglicized to Seelkey or Seelkee when individuals migrated to English-speaking countries. Additionally, the name may have undergone changes over time due to misspellings or transcription errors in official records. It is also possible that different branches of the family adopted slightly different spellings to distinguish themselves from one another. Regardless of the specific variation, the name Seelke remains a unique identifier for individuals and families, connecting them to their ancestral heritage and lineage.
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
