Ships family crest and coat of arms

The family name Ships is derived from the Middle English word "ship," referring to a vessel used for transportation on water. It is likely an occupational surname for someone who worked on or owned ships.

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.

Throughout history, the family name Ships has given rise to various fascinating variations across different cultures and languages, reflecting the evolution of naming conventions over centuries. In England during the 15th century, the name began to morph into variations like Shipton, indicating a familial connection to a place, as many surnames started relating to geographical features or locations. By the 17th century, as migration patterns changed, the name took on a Dutch influence, transforming into Scheeps, which can be traced to the Middle Dutch term for ships, reflecting maritime significance in Flemish coastal regions. Moving into the 18th century, as colonial expansion took place, the name appeared in North America as Shipman, a surname that became linked to occupations related to seafaring and shipping. In Eastern Europe, particularly in the 19th century, the name may have found variations like Szypp, adapting to local phonetic structures, showing how linguistic shifts influence surname adaptations. The 20th century saw a resurgence of interest in genealogy, prompting individuals with variations such as Schipper in the Netherlands, which denotes a captain or helmsman, to explore their familial ties to the original Ships name, revealing a rich tapestry of maritime heritage interwoven with cultural identity across regions. These variations not only highlight the linguistic diversity inherent in surnames but also the historical migrations and occupational trends that shaped the different branches of families descended from the name Ships.

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