Meaning of the Taljaard family crest symbols

Helmet
The helmet placed on the shield symbolizes the strength of the family unit and the protection it provides. It is a symbol of the importance of standing together and having strong defenses against any external threats.

Weapon - Sword
The sword is a symbol of courage and strength, and signifies the importance of upholding the family's honor through honorable actions. It is also a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.
Meaning of the Taljaard 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.
Taljaard name meaning and origin
Taljaard is a surname of Dutch origin, primarily found in South Africa among the Afrikaans-speaking population. It is a compound of two Dutch words, "tal" meaning "valley" and "jaard" meaning "yard". Thus, the name Taljaard can be interpreted as "valley yard". This suggests that the original bearers of the name likely lived or worked in a yard or enclosed area within a valley.
History of family crests like the Taljaard 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.
Taljaard name variations and their meaning
The family name Taljaard has various variations across different regions and cultures. In some instances, it may be spelled as Taljard or Taljaart. These variations could be attributed to differences in pronunciation or spelling conventions in different languages. For example, the variation Taljard might be more commonly found in Afrikaans-speaking communities, while Taljaart could be a variation used by individuals with French or Dutch ancestry.
Furthermore, the name may have undergone changes due to migration or assimilation into different cultures. For instance, individuals with the surname Taljaard who migrated to English-speaking countries might have anglicized the name to Taljard or Taljaart to better fit the local language.
It is also possible that these variations have emerged over time as a result of individual preferences or errors in record-keeping. Regardless of the specific variation, the name Taljaard and its variations serve as a unique identifier for individuals and families, connecting them to their heritage and ancestry.
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
