Spandau family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Spandau 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 Spandau 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.

Spandau name meaning and origin

Spandau is a German surname that originates from the city of the same name in Germany. The meaning of the name is believed to refer to a person from Spandau or someone who lived near the Spandau River. It can also be derived from the Old High German word "spand," meaning "spark" or "shining."

History of family crests like the Spandau 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.

Spandau name variations and their meaning

The family name Spandau has various intriguing variations that have emerged over time. These variations reflect the diverse cultural and linguistic influences that have shaped the name's evolution. One common variation is "Spandauer," which adds the German suffix "-er" denoting a person from Spandau, a district in Berlin. Another variation is "Spandow," which may have originated from a phonetic alteration or regional dialect. Similarly, "Spandeu" could be a result of a spelling variation or a simplified form of the name. Additionally, "Spandowicz" suggests a potential Eastern European influence, possibly originating from Poland or Lithuania. These variations highlight the adaptability of the name as it spread across different regions and languages. Whether due to migration, linguistic shifts, or personal preferences, the variations of the Spandau family name offer a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic nature of surnames and their ability to evolve over time.

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