Shariff family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Shariff 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 Shariff 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.

Blue

The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.

Shariff name meaning and origin

Shariff is a surname of Arabic origin, often signifying a descent from a noble lineage or a person of high status. The name is commonly associated with those who hold leadership positions, particularly in Muslim communities, reflecting respect and honor in societal roles.

History of family crests like the Shariff 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.

Shariff name variations and their meaning

The family name Shariff has manifested in various intriguing forms across different cultures and time periods, reflecting linguistic evolution and regional phonetic changes. In the Indian subcontinent, for instance, the name often appears as Sherif or Shereef, influenced by local dialects and the transliteration of Arabic sounds into Indian languages during the colonial period of the 19th century. Meanwhile, in parts of North Africa, particularly in countries like Algeria and Tunisia, the name may morph into Sharif, adapting to the Berber and Arabic linguistic nuances that have coexisted since the 8th century. This variation illustrates how local pronunciation and usage have taken shape through interactions and integrations over the centuries. By the 20th century, migration patterns contributed to further adaptations in the Western world, where the name might be shortened to Sharif or diversified into lesser-known forms like Sharrif or Shereef, reflecting the blending of cultures and the anglicization of names. The 21st century has introduced digital platforms allowing individuals with the name, irrespective of variant, to connect and share their heritage, creating an ongoing dialogue around these variations and enriching the collective understanding of the Shariff legacy. Each transformation of the name not only tells a story of language evolution but also captures the socio-cultural landscapes of the communities that bear it.

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