Terhune family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Terhune 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.

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 Terhune 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.

Terhune name meaning and origin

Terhune is a surname of Dutch origin. It is derived from the name of a place in the Netherlands called 'Ter Hune', which translates to 'at the farm'. This suggests that the initial bearers of the surname were likely farmers or lived near a farm.

History of family crests like the Terhune 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.

Terhune name variations and their meaning

The family name Terhune has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Terhoon, which is a slight alteration of the original spelling. Another variation is Terhoun, which adds an extra letter to the name. Additionally, some individuals may spell the name as Terhoon or Terhun, omitting the final "e." These variations could have arisen due to different regional pronunciations or dialects. It is also possible that they were the result of clerical errors or changes made by individuals themselves. Regardless of the specific variation, all of these forms still retain the core elements of the original name. These variations highlight the flexibility and adaptability of family names over generations. They also demonstrate how names can evolve and change over time, reflecting the diverse linguistic and cultural influences that shape our identities.

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