Meaning of the Stelling family crest symbols
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.
Shield - Fess
The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.
Meaning of the Stelling coat of arms colors
Black
The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Stelling name meaning and origin
The family name Stelling is of Dutch origin, derived from the surname "Stellingwerf," meaning "from Stellingwerf." It is believed to be topographical, referring to someone from a place called Stellingwerf in the Netherlands.
History of family crests like the Stelling 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.
Stelling name variations and their meaning
Stelling is a versatile family name that has seen various interesting variations over the centuries. In Germany, the name is often spelled as Stellingen or Stellinga, reflecting the influence of Old High German and Middle Low German languages in the medieval period. In England, the name evolved into Stellings or Stellinger in the 17th and 18th centuries, likely due to the phonetic changes in the English language during that time. In the Netherlands, the name took on the form of Stellink or Stellinks in the 19th century, showing the Dutch tendency to add diminutive suffixes to surnames. These variations highlight the rich linguistic history of the name Stelling and demonstrate how languages and cultures have shaped its different forms throughout 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
