Meaning of the Terceira family crest symbols
Bird - Eagle
The eagle symbolizes how early family members were considered people of action, quick-wittedness and a noble nature. When the wings are visible, this can additionally represent 'protection' and the protective powers of the family.
Shield - Bordure
The 'bordure' edge around the shield is a mark of difference used to identify separate families that hold similar coat of arms designs. It is one that became a distinctive mark of pride over time for those families that used one.
Meaning of the Terceira 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.
Terceira name meaning and origin
The family name Terceira means "third" in Portuguese, indicating that the family originated from the third island of the Azores archipelago. It may also refer to a person from the island of Terceira in Portugal.
History of family crests like the Terceira 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.
Terceira name variations and their meaning
Terceira is a name that has undergone various interesting variations throughout its existence. In Portugal, the name is often spelled as Terceiro, reflecting the masculine form of the original name. In Spain, the name can be seen as Tercero, similar to the Portuguese variation but with a slight linguistic twist. In the United States, the name has been anglicized to Third, emphasizing the numerical significance of the name. These variations emerged over the centuries as the name spread across different countries and languages. In the medieval period, the name Terceira would have been pronounced differently, evolving into the variations seen today. In the Renaissance period, variations like Terceiro and Tercero would have emerged as different regions adopted the name. In modern times, globalization has led to further variations like Third as the name is adapted to fit different cultural contexts. Overall, the variations in the family name Terceira highlight the richness and complexity of language evolution 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
