Meaning of the Stiver 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.
Bird - Martlet/Martlette
The martlet bird is a symbol of the speed and agility of family members to act quickly and decisively when needed. They represent the swiftness of thought and action that is necessary to protect and care for one's family.
Meaning of the Stiver 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.
Stiver name meaning and origin
The family name Stiver is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "stiver," which means a small coin or a small amount of money. It is believed to have been a nickname for someone who was thrifty or careful with their finances.
History of family crests like the Stiver 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.
Stiver name variations and their meaning
The family name Stiver has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Stivers, which adds an "s" to the end of the name. This variation is often seen in English-speaking countries and is used to denote multiple individuals with the Stiver surname. Another variation is Stiverson, which adds the suffix "-son" to the name. This variation is commonly found in Scandinavian countries and signifies "son of Stiver." Stivens is another variation that can be seen, particularly in French-speaking regions. This variation replaces the "r" at the end of Stiver with an "s" and is often associated with families of French descent. Additionally, there may be other less common variations of the Stiver name, such as Stivert or Stivere, which could have originated from regional dialects or personal preferences. These variations highlight the diverse ways in which the Stiver name has evolved and been adapted by different cultures and languages 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
