Meaning of the Stanley family crest symbols
Shield - Chevron
The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.
Shield - Pale
The vertical 'Pale' bar on the shield represents those who were skilled in battle and those who were regarded as successful commanders of forces within the military.
Animal - Stag
The stag symbolizes how family members were widely considered to be people of a peaceful and harmonious nature. It was a sign of great strength but also signified those who will not fight unless aggressively provoked.
Meaning of the Stanley coat of arms colors
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.
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.
Stanley name meaning and origin
Stanley is an English surname that has both geographical and aristocratic origins. It is derived from Old English words 'stan', meaning stone, and 'leah', meaning clearing or meadow. Thus, the name Stanley can be interpreted as 'stony meadow'. It was initially used to denote a person who lived near a stony clearing. Over time, it became associated with the noble Stanley family, who held significant titles and lands in England.
History of family crests like the Stanley 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.
Stanley name variations and their meaning
The family name Stanley has various variations across different regions and cultures. In England, it is commonly spelled as Stanly or Stanleigh. In Scotland, the name is often seen as Stenley or Stenlie. In Ireland, the name can be found as Stanly or Stanlee. In Wales, the name is sometimes written as Stanli or Stanlie. These variations reflect the diverse ways in which the name has been adapted and pronounced over time. Additionally, there may be other variations of the name in different countries or regions that are not commonly known. The variations of the name Stanley highlight the fluidity and adaptability of surnames, as they can change and evolve depending on the cultural and linguistic context. Despite the different spellings, these variations all represent branches of the same family tree, connecting individuals across different parts of the world.
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
