Meaning of the Spendley family crest symbols
Lion (standing)
The lion symbol represents the ferocious nature of family members, their bravery and valor. It is one of the oldest symbols in heraldry and is considered to be one of the most desirable to have on a coat of arms.
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 Spendley 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.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Spendley name meaning and origin
Spendley is a surname of English origin, likely derived from a location name, indicating an association with an estate or settlement. It may denote characteristics of a particular area or reflect historical ties to land ownership and agricultural practices in regional England.
History of family crests like the Spendley 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.
Spendley name variations and their meaning
Throughout history, the family name Spendley has seen various adaptations that reflect linguistic shifts and cultural influences across different regions. In England during the 15th century, variations such as Spendlow began to surface, likely as a result of regional dialects influencing surnames. By the 17th century, the introduction of the 'y' became more prevalent, giving rise to Spendle, which showcased the trend of phonetic spelling variations. In contrast, variants like Spandelli emerged in Italy during the 18th century, illustrating how immigration and trade brought about modifications in names to suit local vernacular. Meanwhile, in North America, during the 19th century, Spendling appeared as a result of anglicization processes, adapting the name to more commonly recognized phonetics in English-speaking environments. Each of these variations not only signifies geographical dispersion but also highlights the linguistic evolution that shaped familial identities over the centuries.
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
