Sherratt family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Sherratt 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.

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 Sherratt 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.

Red

The red color (known as Gules) traditionally symbolized martyrdom and the historic military strength of family members when called upon in times of war.

Sherratt name meaning and origin

The family name Sherratt has English origins, likely derived from a toponymic surname indicating residence near a place called Sherratt or similar. It may mean "dweller by the farmstead" or "from the dear place," reflecting geographic or occupational roots in historical agrarian society.

History of family crests like the Sherratt 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.

Sherratt name variations and their meaning

Over the centuries, the family name Sherratt has given rise to several intriguing variants that reflect the evolution of language and culture across different regions. In England during the 16th century, the name began to morph into variations such as Sherrett and Sherratt, influenced by regional dialects and spelling conventions. Meanwhile, in the 17th century, migration and trade contributed to the emergence of Sherret in Scotland, showcasing the adaptation of the name in a different linguistic context. The 18th century saw the name further diversifying, particularly in North America, where Sherratt transformed into modern iterations like Sherrat and Sheratt, often shaped by the phonetic preferences of English settlers. In the 19th century, as global migration intensified, Sherrard became a documented variant, perhaps indicating a merging of familial lines or a simple phonetic shift as communities blended. Each of these variations adds depth to the lineage, reflecting historical changes and the interplay of language and identity over time.

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