Meaning of the Thief family crest symbols

Star
The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.
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 Thief 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.
Thief name meaning and origin
The surname Thief is of European origin and is believed to have derived from the Middle English word "thief," which means a person who steals. This surname likely originated as an occupational name for someone who was a thief or involved in theft. It is a descriptive surname that may have been given to someone known for dishonest or unlawful activities. The name Thief carries connotations of stealth, cunning, and illicit behavior.
History of family crests like the Thief 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.
Thief name variations and their meaning
The family name Thief has various variations across different regions and cultures. In some cases, it is spelled as Theif or Theef. These variations might be a result of different phonetic pronunciations or regional dialects. Additionally, the name might have undergone changes over time due to misspellings or transcription errors. In certain cultures, the name might have been translated into the local language, resulting in variations such as Ladron (Spanish), Voleur (French), or Dieb (German). These variations reflect the diverse linguistic influences and historical migrations that have shaped family names over generations. Furthermore, some individuals might have chosen to modify the spelling of their surname for personal or professional reasons, leading to variations like Tief or Thieff. Despite the different spellings, these variations of the family name Thief still represent a shared heritage and ancestry, connecting individuals across different parts of the world.
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
