Meaning of the Uys 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 Uys 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.
Uys name meaning and origin
The family name Uys is of Dutch origin, derived from the word "uis" which means "door." In South Africa, the name is also linked to the Huguenot migration from France, with the surname possibly coming from the region of Oise. Overall, Uys likely originated as a topographic or occupational name for someone who lived by or worked with doors.
History of family crests like the Uys 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.
Uys name variations and their meaning
The family name Uys has various spellings and variations across different regions and cultures. One common variation is "Uyss," which may be seen in certain European countries. Another variation is "Uyse," which is more prevalent in some African countries. Additionally, the name may be spelled as "Uis" or "Uyse" in certain regions. These variations could be attributed to factors such as migration, cultural influences, or simply personal preference.
In some cases, the name Uys may also be combined with other surnames to form compound names. For instance, the combination of Uys with the surname "van der Merwe" is quite common in South Africa, resulting in the compound name "Uys van der Merwe." This practice of combining surnames can be found in various cultures and is often used to honor or preserve family ties.
Overall, the variations of the family name Uys reflect the diverse nature of human societies and the different ways in which names evolve and adapt 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
