Thiessen family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Thiessen 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.

Weapon - Arrow

The arrow signifies the early family's readiness for battle and affliction when threatened. It stands as a testament to family member’s success during times of war and a warning to those we may cross them.

Meaning of the Thiessen coat of arms colors

Black

The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.

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.

Thiessen name meaning and origin

Thiessen is a patronymic surname of Dutch and German origin. It is derived from the personal name Thijs, a diminutive of Mathias or Matthew, which means 'gift of God'. Therefore, Thiessen can be interpreted as 'son of Thijs' or 'son of the gift of God'. This surname is quite prevalent in regions of the Netherlands and Germany.

History of family crests like the Thiessen 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.

Thiessen name variations and their meaning

The family name Thiessen has several variations across different regions and cultures. In Germany, it is commonly spelled as Tessen or Thiesen. In the Netherlands, the name is often written as Tiessen or Tijssen. In Scandinavia, variations such as Thiesen, Thiesenius, or Thieson can be found. In North America, the name is commonly spelled as Thiessen, but variations like Tiesen, Tieszen, or Tiesing are also seen. These variations may have emerged due to different phonetic pronunciations or regional influences. Despite the slight differences in spelling, these variations all represent the same family name and are often used interchangeably. It is interesting to see how the name has evolved and adapted across different cultures and countries, reflecting the diverse history and migration patterns of the Thiessen family.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: