Meaning of the Szekhely 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.

Cross
The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.
Meaning of the Szekhely 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.
Red
The red color (known as Gules) traditionally symbolized martyrdom and the historic military strength of family members when called upon in times of war.
Szekhely name meaning and origin
Szekhely is a Hungarian surname derived from the word "szekhely," meaning "seat" or "residence." It likely originated as a locational surname for someone who lived in a prominent or important place within a community.
History of family crests like the Szekhely 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.
Szekhely name variations and their meaning
The family name Szekhely has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Hungary, it is commonly spelled as Székely, emphasizing the accent on the "e." This variation is derived from the Hungarian word "szék," meaning "seat" or "chair," and is often associated with the Székely people, a subgroup of the Hungarian population. Another variation is Szekelyhidi, which combines the original name with the Hungarian word "híd," meaning "bridge." This variation might suggest a connection to a specific location or occupation related to bridges. In other regions, the name might be spelled as Sekely or Sekhely, reflecting different phonetic interpretations or transliterations. These variations could be influenced by the pronunciation of the name in different languages or dialects. Overall, the variations of the family name Szekhely highlight the diverse cultural and linguistic influences that have shaped its spelling and pronunciation across various regions.
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
