Skelly family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Skelly 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.

Bird - Martlet/Martlette

The martlet bird is a symbol of the speed and agility of family members to act quickly and decisively when needed. They represent the swiftness of thought and action that is necessary to protect and care for one's family.

Meaning of the Skelly coat of arms colors

Black

The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.

Blue

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

Skelly name meaning and origin

The family name Skelly is of European origin and is believed to be derived from the Gaelic surname O'Scealai, meaning "storyteller" or "messenger." This suggests that early bearers of the name may have worked as messengers or storytellers in Ireland. Alternatively, the name Skelly may also be of Scandinavian origin, deriving from the Old Norse word skali, meaning "shelter" or "hut." This could indicate that the name was originally used to describe someone who lived near a shelter or hut.

History of family crests like the Skelly 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.

Skelly name variations and their meaning

The family name Skelly has various spellings and variations across different regions. One common variation is "Skelley," which is often found in Ireland and Scotland. Another variation is "Skelton," which is more prevalent in England. These variations may have emerged due to regional dialects or pronunciation differences.

In addition to these variations, there are also different forms of the name that have evolved over time. For instance, "Skelly" may be spelled as "Skelley" or "Skelleye" in historical records. These variations could be attributed to changes in spelling conventions or the influence of different languages.

Furthermore, the name Skelly may have undergone modifications when individuals migrated to new countries. For example, in the United States, the name might have been altered to "Skelly" from its original form due to immigration officers' interpretation or individuals' desire to assimilate into the new culture.

Overall, the variations of the family name Skelly reflect the diverse linguistic and historical influences that have shaped the name over time and across different regions.

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