Turlington family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Turlington 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 - 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 Turlington 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.

Turlington name meaning and origin

Turlington is an English surname derived from the Old English personal name Thurwine, meaning "Thor's friend." The name signifies a connection to the god Thor and implies a loyal and trustworthy companion.

History of family crests like the Turlington 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.

Turlington name variations and their meaning

The family name Turlington has seen intriguing variations as it has evolved over time and across different regions. In England during the early 14th century, one might encounter the spelling Turlingtone, a reflection of the phonetic shifts and the influence of the Norman French language, which merged with the Old English vernacular. Moving into the 16th century, as migration patterns began to change, the name appeared in Scotland as Torlington, adapting to the Scots dialect, which often softened consonant sounds and altered endings. By the 18th century, as families sought to establish their identity in the burgeoning New World, Turlington made its way to America, where it morphed into variations like Turlenton, perhaps influenced by the regional accents of English settlers in the developing colonies. In other parts of Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, a couple of linguistic transformations led to a form like Durlington, exemplifying how Dutch phonetics impacted borrowed surnames. Additionally, in the early 20th century, the surname's journey through immigration might have led to Anglicized forms like Thurling, which offered a more streamlined pronunciation appealing to new generations ensuring familial roots were both recognizable and adapted to contemporary language trends. Today, these variations tell a vivid story of linguistic evolution and personal adaptation, connecting the name across cultures and centuries to provide a rich tapestry of historical significance.

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