Meaning of the Vandergriff 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.

Roundel
The roundel is believed to be a symbol from the times of the crusade and represents the family's belief in the importance of justice. It was used as a mark of those who pursued justice with vigor and brought others to justice.
Meaning of the Vandergriff 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.

Vandergriff name meaning and origin
The surname Vandergriff is of Dutch origin, meaning "from the griffin." It signifies a connection to a heraldic symbol, the griffin, which represents strength and vigilance. This name reflects a lineage associated with nobility and remarkable family history in various regions.

History of family crests like the Vandergriff 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.

Vandergriff name variations and their meaning
The name Vandergriff has given rise to a variety of interesting variations across different cultures and languages, reflecting both historical migrations and linguistic adaptations over the centuries. In the Netherlands, one might encounter the form van der Gripe, which likely emerged in the 17th century as regional dialects influenced the phonetics of surnames, a phenomenon that also occurred in neighboring Belgium where Van de Griffe became a common variant. As families migrated to English-speaking countries in the 18th and 19th centuries, transformations led to names like Vandergrift and Van der Grift, showcasing the anglicization process where the 'van' prefix was retained yet modified to fit more seamlessly into an English linguistic structure. Meanwhile, in the realm of German influence, the surname may evolve into Pflugfelder, stemming from regional adaptations that sought to preserve the root yet reflect local naming conventions. By the 20th century, as individuals with such surnames settled in the United States, further variations like Vandergraft and Vandegrift emerged, blending American phonetic preferences with the original Dutch roots. Thus, the journey of the Vandergriff name illustrates the intricate interplay of language, culture, and time, revealing a rich tapestry of variations that continue to connect individuals to their diverse heritages.

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