Meaning of the Sowa family crest symbols
Star
The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.
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 Sowa 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.
Sowa name meaning and origin
The family name Sowa is of Polish origin and is derived from the word "sowa," which means "owl" in Polish. It is believed to have originally been a nickname for someone who was wise or had keen senses, similar to an owl.
History of family crests like the Sowa 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.
Sowa name variations and their meaning
The family name Sowa has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Poland, it is commonly spelled as Sowa, which is the original form of the name. However, in other countries, it may be spelled differently due to phonetic or transliteration differences. For instance, in Germany, it can be written as Zowa or Zowah. In Russia, it may be spelled as Sova or Sowah. These variations reflect the different pronunciation and writing systems of each language. Additionally, some individuals may choose to modify the spelling of their surname for personal or aesthetic reasons. Therefore, you may come across alternative spellings such as Sowah, Soa, or Zowa. Despite these variations, the name Sowa remains a distinct and recognizable family name across different cultures.
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
