Meaning of the Sheffield'S 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 Sheffield'S 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.
Sheffield'S name meaning and origin
The family name Sheffield's likely originated from a place name in England, derived from Old English words meaning "sheep" and "hill." It is a surname that may have been given to someone who lived near a hill where sheep were raised.
History of family crests like the Sheffield'S 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.
Sheffield'S name variations and their meaning
Some typical variations of the family name Sheffield's include Sheffields, Shefield, and Shefild. In different countries, you can also find variations such as Schayfield in Germany, Scheffield in Holland, and Szeffield in Poland. These variations emerged over the centuries as the name Sheffield's traveled and adapted to different languages and dialects. In the 12th and 13th centuries, immigrants from England brought the name Sheffield's to countries in Europe, where it underwent phonetic changes to fit the local language. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the name continued to evolve as families intermarried with people of different cultural backgrounds. By the 19th and 20th centuries, variations of Sheffield's had spread to countries across the globe, reflecting the diverse linguistic influences of different regions.
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
