Meaning of the Stair 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.
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 Stair 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.
Stair name meaning and origin
The family name Stair is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Old English word "stige," meaning a flight of stairs or a steep path. It is believed to have originally been a topographic name for someone who lived near a staircase or steep incline.
History of family crests like the Stair 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.
Stair name variations and their meaning
The family name Stair has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Stairs, which adds an "s" to the end of the name. This variation is likely a result of pluralization or a simple spelling change. Another variation is Stare, which replaces the "i" with an "e." This change could be due to a regional dialect or a transcription error. Additionally, the name may be spelled as Starey, which adds a "y" to the end. This variation could be a result of a phonetic pronunciation or a personal preference. Another possible variation is Stayer, which replaces the "i" with a "y" and adds an "e" at the end. This change could be a result of a phonetic pronunciation or a desire to differentiate the name. Overall, these variations of the family name Stair demonstrate the flexibility and evolution of surnames over time.
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
