Selvarajah family crest and coat of arms

Selvarajah is a South Asian surname of Tamil origin, commonly found among Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan Tamil communities. It typically signifies "endowed with wealth" or "prosperous." The name reflects cultural heritage and is associated with individuals from diverse professional backgrounds in the diaspora.

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.

Variations of the family name Selvarajah can be quite fascinating, reflecting the linguistic and cultural shifts across different regions. In the 18th century, as Tamil diaspora emerged, surnames like Selvaraj became more prevalent, streamlining the original name for ease of use in English-speaking contexts. By the 19th century, the name saw adaptations such as Selvarasan, commonly found in Malaysia, where names often evolve through local phonetic influences. Furthermore, in the early 20th century, some branches of the family adopted the form Selvarahi in parts of South India, incorporating regional dialects and nuances. These variations illustrate the ways in which a name can adapt to different cultures while retaining an echo of its original sound. In contemporary times, the emergence of short forms like Selva or Raj has also appeared among younger generations, reflecting a trend toward simplification and modernity in naming conventions.

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