Meaning of the Tanaka 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 - 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 Tanaka 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.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Tanaka name meaning and origin
Tanaka is a common Japanese surname that means "dweller in the rice fields."
History of family crests like the Tanaka 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.
Tanaka name variations and their meaning
The family name Tanaka has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Japan, it is commonly spelled as 田中, which translates to "middle of the rice field." This spelling is the most prevalent and widely recognized. However, there are other variations such as 田仲, 田なか, and 田中田, which are less common but still exist. In some cases, the name may be written in katakana as タナカ, which is often used for foreign names or to add a modern touch. Outside of Japan, variations of the name can be found due to transliteration and adaptation to different languages. For instance, in English-speaking countries, it may be spelled as Tanaka, while in other languages, it could be written as Tanaca, Tanakova, or Tanakayev. These variations reflect the diverse cultural influences and adaptations that the name has undergone throughout history and across different 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
